The interventions prioritized in this collaboration revolve around four fundamental axes: the consolidation of the Tourism Observatory, a vital tool for data collection and analysis that will enable a better understanding and management of tourism in the region; energy efficiency for commerce, with the implementation of practices and technologies that reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact; the development of the Tourism Cluster, fostering cooperation between companies in the tourism sector to improve competitiveness and innovation; and the strengthening of territorial development plans, integrating sustainable tourism strategies into local development plans to ensure balanced and responsible growth.

Aura Carolina García Amaranto highlighted the importance of this international mission organized by FENALCO, which is part of the strategic plan of the National Tourism Board of the guild. According to García Amaranto, this initiative will allow consolidating the linkage within the trade and services sector, as well as continuing with the growing participation in the generation of quality jobs in the economy. “The international mission organized by FENALCO is part of the strategic plan of the National Tourism Board of the guild, which will consolidate the linkage within the trade and services sector and continue the growing participation in the generation of quality jobs in our economy,” he said.

For his part, Andrés Felipe Vives underscored the importance of cooperation between public and private entities to achieve sustainable tourism development. Vives indicated that the collaboration with the Tourism and Society Think Tank is an invaluable opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences that will benefit all the actors involved in the tourism sector in Magdalena.

Conclusions and next steps

The VII International Congress on Tourism Quality and Sustainability in Jerez de la Frontera is an ideal platform for the exchange of knowledge and the creation of strategic alliances. The collaboration between FENALCO, the Santa Marta Chamber of Commerce for Magdalena and the Tourism and Society Think Tank is a significant step towards the consolidation of a more sustainable and competitive tourism model.

In the coming months, the implementation of the actions agreed upon in the preparatory meeting is expected, with a focus on the monitoring and evaluation of the results obtained. This collaboration will not only benefit Magdalena's tourism sector, but will also serve as a model for other regions interested in promoting sustainable and quality tourism.

Participation in international events such as the VII International Congress on Tourism Quality and Sustainability is a sign of the interest and dedication of these organizations to continue advancing towards a more prosperous and balanced future.