New Vice Minister of Tourism in Colombia: Juan Manrique Camargo

24-09-24

The recent appointment of Juan Manrique Camargo as Vice Minister of Tourism coincides with a crucial phase for tourism, in which the industry seeks to strengthen its initiatives in favor of cultural promotion and sustainable development, such as the promotion of the Network of Heritage Towns of Colombia, an effort to highlight the historical and cultural value of various municipalities in the country.

Juan Manrique Camargo is a professional with an extensive career in public administration, particularly in the tourism sector. His career has been marked by his capacity to manage large-scale projects and his ability to implement public policies aimed at promoting the growth of tourism in Colombia.

Manrique Camargo has been part of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism for several years, serving in different roles that have allowed him to acquire a deep knowledge of the challenges and opportunities of the sector. Among his previous functions, his role as coordinator of strategic programs stands out, in which he has been responsible for driving initiatives that promote domestic tourism and the attraction of international visitors. This includes the development of sustainable tourism programs, a fundamental axis in the country's vision of tourism growth.

One of the most outstanding aspects of his career has been his contribution to the creation and strengthening of policies aimed at the conservation of Colombia's natural and cultural heritage. His work in this area has been key to positioning the country as a destination that not only offers unique tourism experiences, but also cares about preserving its biodiversity and rich cultural heritage.

Manrique Camargo has also played a key role in the design of international promotion strategies, working hand in hand with tourism promotion agencies and private actors to bring the Colombia brand to a global audience. His focus on diversifying the tourism offer has helped to bring lesser-known destinations onto the tourism map, such as the Heritage Villages, which highlight the cultural and historical value of the country's less explored regions.

In addition to his experience in the public sector, Manrique Camargo has worked closely with the private sector, which has allowed him to have an integral vision of the needs and expectations of both governmental actors and tourism companies. This ability to mediate between both sectors has been one of the elements that has strengthened his profile as a leader in the industry.

With this new role as deputy minister in charge, Juan Manrique Camargo is expected to continue driving the growth of tourism in Colombia. Among his main challenges will be to ensure that tourism development policies remain aligned with the principles of sustainability, inclusion and respect for local communities. Manrique Camargo's vision focuses not only on increasing the number of visitors, but also on generating a positive impact in the host regions, ensuring that tourism is an engine of economic, social and cultural development for the entire country.