Recognition at a key moment
The award came just before the start of the Fiestas of the Virgen de la Candelaria, the spiritual patron saint of Cartagena, and as the city prepares for Holy Week 2025, as part of the ordinary jubilee declared by Pope Francis.
Liliana Rodríguez Hurtado, executive president of Corpoturismo, highlighted the importance of the award: "This recognition received at FITUR, highlights the high level agenda organised with the Archdiocese of Cartagena, guardians of our invaluable historical and spiritual heritage".
Voices of support for religious tourism
Teremar Londoño Zurek, Secretary of Tourism, emphasised: "We are committed to consolidating Cartagena as the best destination in Colombia and South America. The commitment to religious tourism strengthens spirituality, preserves heritage and boosts the local economy".
Father Julio César Muñoz, delegate for the Tourism Pastoral, said: "This recognition is the result of a joint effort between the public and private sectors. Cartagena is a city of open doors, which lives its faith with ardour and promotes hope".
Faith and sustainability: pillars of religious tourism
The award-winning initiatives stand out for integrating spirituality with community activities that impact both locals and tourists. They strengthen the social fabric by bringing together people of diverse ages and backgrounds, promoting values such as solidarity, reconciliation and peace. They also incorporate sustainable practices, such as the use of recyclable materials and the protection of heritage sites.
Religious tourism in Cartagena continues to grow stronger. In June 2024, the city was admitted to the World Network of Religious and Spiritual Tourist Destinations, along with such benchmarks as Lourdes, Fatima, Rome and Mecca. In addition, following the pilot of religious tourism in Holy Week 2024, Corpoturismo and the Archdiocese have continued to promote the spiritual heritage and religious festivities of the city.
With this award, Cartagena reinforces its position as a benchmark in sustainable religious tourism, generating economic, cultural and spiritual benefits that enhance its identity and tourist attractiveness.
