The director of the National Police, General William René Salamanca, also participated in the opening ceremony; the vice minister of tourism, Arturo Bravo; the mayor of Bogotá, Carlos Fernando Galán; the governor of Nariño, Luis Alfonso Escobar; the director of the Puerto Rico tourism company, Carlos Mercado Santiago; the manager of Fontur, Álvaro Balcázar; and the president of Procolombia, Carmen Caballero.
Additionally, the executive director of UN Tourism, Natalia Bayona; and the senior vice president of the World Travel and Tourism Council, WTTC, representing the two most prominent international institutions in the sector, were also present to explain the importance of the Colombian market within the tourism map, as a country with transformative potential, and progress for communities.
During his speech, the President of the Republic Gustavo Petro, highlighted that the international tourism promotion of Colombia requires a greater amount of resources to be more effective. "This will cost us a budget but it will be repaid, reaching the visit of 6 or 7 million foreigners, or why not, 10 million, which is our expectation at the end of the 4 years of Government," he said.
For his part, Carlos Galán, mayor of Bogotá explained the four strategies in which the district will work to enhance tourism: position Bogotá as a tourist destination; advance in the definition of smart tourism; promote sustainable practices so that the visit to Bogotá is easy and interactive: and have a focus on community tourism projects. “The only way to reach that potential is to work like Colombia, only if we articulate and connect will we be a tourist power,” he stated.
Luis Alfonso Escobar, governor of Nariño, highlighted that one of the department's most important challenges is to convert the Ipiales airport into an international one and increase the connectivity of the destination with others in Colombia and the world. Likewise, he highlighted the 4 world heritage sites that the department offers and invited attendees to immerse themselves in the beauty of those places.
Likewise, Carlos Mercado Santiago, Minister of Tourism of Puerto Rico, explained the importance of his participation in the Tourist Showcase as an international destination of honor, as an opportunity to make new connections and build stronger alliances. “Colombia and Puerto Rico have never been as connected as today. “Both countries have a depth of incomparable destinations, gastronomy and passion for sport.”
Finally, the executive president of ANATO exalted the role of Travel Agencies and the creation of these commercial spaces as a fundamental setting for the creation and strengthening of relationships to drive domestic, incoming and outgoing tourism: “Today, we meet to celebrate more than a fair; We are about to begin a journey that will take us to explore new destinations, the latest trends in tourism, and connect people who share our passion for travel. Tourism that has promoted economic growth, cultural exchange and new ideas, showing the best of Colombia and the world,” said Paula Cortés Calle, executive president of ANATO.