The strategy to position the department of Atlántico as a must-visit destination in Colombia is starting to yield results: the department's tourism sector is growing at 4.5% annually, 1.0 percentage points above the national average of 3.5%, as reported by the Deputy Secretary of Departmental Tourism, Jaime Alfaro.

The official presented the figures during the celebration of World Tourism Day, organized by the Government of Atlántico and the Colombian Hotel and Tourism Association – Cotelco. The event gathered tourism operators and officials from the municipalities of Soledad, Juan de Acosta, Usiacurí, Puerto Colombia, and Baranoa at the Country International Hotel.

During the event, the achievements of the strategy initiated under Governor Eduardo Verano de la Rosa’s second administration (2016-2019) were highlighted. This strategy continued under former Governor Elsa Noguera’s administration.

The vision remains active under the current development plan, "Atlántico for the World," focusing on initiatives that promote ecotourism, festivals, and regional production, and capitalize on the strategic location between Santa Marta and Cartagena, cities with high tourist traffic.

Among the initial successes, there has been an increase in tourist arrivals. The goal is to raise the visitor rate from 10% to 35%. To achieve this, the departmental administration has concentrated on projects aimed at improving road connectivity and fostering local development.

Additionally, Atlántico has been showcased in major national and international tourism events, including Fitur (Spain), Anato (Bogotá), and Colombia Travel Expo (Medellín), which has drawn attention from leading agencies and tourists to the unique offerings of the department.

Marbel Ruiz, Executive Director of Cotelco Atlántico, pointed out that progress is becoming evident. "In 2019, we had 140 lodging establishments with a capacity for 6,000 people; today, we have 300 establishments with the capacity to host 16,000 visitors," said Ruiz, who is optimistic about the sector's future.

For Vicky Osorio, Executive Director of Probarranquilla, developing local capacities to enhance the distinctive factors in tourism service delivery is essential. This involves leveraging the warmth of the people of Atlántico, which fosters closeness and trust. "We must believe we are capable and have all the elements needed to develop tourism in our department," she remarked.

World Tourism Day is celebrated on September 27 and aims to promote peace through travel, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism practices that contribute to conflict resolution, reconciliation, and peacebuilding worldwide.