SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 15, 2024 – UN Tourism has recognized the most innovative community-based tourism projects in Colombia, highlighting the country's leadership in promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
The "Innovation Challenge: Community Tourism: Colombia"
The Innovation Challenge, organized in collaboration with Colombia's Vice Ministry of Tourism and the National Tourism Fund (FONTUR), sought to identify and celebrate initiatives that are shaping the future of community-based tourism in the region.
The challenge focused on projects that:
- Position Colombia as a leading destination in community-based tourism.
- Prioritize sustainability and resilience.
- Empower communities, including those in rural and urban areas, women, youth, ethnic communities, and communities building peace.
Celebrating the Winners
The winners of the challenge were announced at a special ceremony held in Cartagena de las Indias during the 122nd meeting of the Executive Council of UN Tourism.
The winning projects:
- Category 1: Rural and urban communities: Comunidad del Encanto (Boyacá) – Connects eight communities through gamified tourism experiences.
- Category 2: Women and youth: Lunaris (Nariño) – Highlights the beauty of the El Charmolan Nature Reserve through conservation and visual storytelling.
- Category 3: Ethnic communities: Chiritour (Chocó) – A cultural journey highlighting local traditions along the Atrato River.
- Category 4: Communities building peace: Museum of Art and Memory (Bolivar) – Space for reflection and empowerment through textile art.
- Category 5: Companies promoting community-based tourism: Check – Offers sustainable travel experiences in 15 destinations, supporting local communities.
UN Tourism's Recognition of Innovation
UN Executive Director of Tourism, Natalia Bayona, praised the winning projects, stating, "community-based tourism is empowering people from all backgrounds, including women, youth and post-conflict social groups. These examples showcase Colombia's best projects and leaders, making it clear that innovation can drive the creation of opportunities."
UN Tourism's Commitment to Community-Based Tourism
UN Tourism leads policies and projects in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. The organization has a strong commitment to promoting community-based tourism as a means of achieving sustainable and inclusive development.
Through its Department of Innovation, Education and Investment, UN Tourism has developed various initiatives to support entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment in the tourism sector, including:
- 7 tourism entrepreneurship competitions (UN Tourism Startup Competitions)
- 6 Innovation Challenges (UN Specific Challenges)
- Numerous tourism innovation and technology forums (UN Tourism Tech Adventures)
These initiatives have created a vibrant Innovation Network that encompasses more than 7,000 entrepreneurs, 500 companies, 400 public institutions, 250 educational centers, 40 incubators/accelerators, and 290 investors. This network has generated more than US$74 million in funding for new businesses.
The Importance of Community-Based Tourism
Community-based tourism is a powerful tool for empowering local communities and promoting sustainable development. By involving communities in tourism planning and management, it ensures that tourism benefits are distributed equitably and that cultural and natural heritage is protected.
The Innovation Challenge: Community Tourism: Colombia highlights the positive impact of community-based tourism and showcases the country's leadership in promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism practices.