Religious tourism, in addition to generating economic opportunities, is fostering social development and inclusion in communities historically affected by conflict. The Colombian government's strategy is for this type of tourism to contribute to the social reintegration of vulnerable populations, offering alternatives for young people and victims of the conflict, and promoting the general well-being of civil society. In this context, the Vice Minister emphasized that “religious tourism plays an essential role in the country's reconstruction process.
Colombia has one of the oldest Holy Week traditions in the world, second only to that of Seville in Spain, a fact that is still little known internationally. The country's cultural and spiritual richness represents a unique opportunity to promote religious tourism as a transformative experience for both visitors and host communities.
The government's effort to position Colombia on the global tourism map is reflected in the adhesion of eight Colombian cities to the World Religious Tourism Network, whose agreements will be signed soon. This step reinforces the vision of a country that is committed to cultural diversity, social inclusion and economic development through tourism.
Within this framework, the Jubilee Year 2025-Tourism Traveling Congress will mark a milestone in the history of Colombian tourism, consolidating the idea that tourism can be an engine of social transformation. The route designed for this congress will highlight enclaves of great spiritual and cultural relevance, allowing visitors and citizens to rediscover the richness of their own territory while strengthening ties of community and brotherhood.
The Vice Minister of Tourism reiterated that Colombia's transformation is a palpable reality, very different from the image of the country two decades ago, marked by internal conflicts. Thanks to the peace agreements, the government has implemented effective strategies for the integration of communities in tourism development, providing economic opportunities and stability to previously marginalized populations. “From the Colombian government, we want our experience to serve as an example to the world, demonstrating that another Colombia is possible,” stressed Manrique Camargo.
The Jubilee Year 2025-Tourism Traveling Congress is a reflection of Colombia's commitment to the consolidation of an inclusive and sustainable tourism model. Through faith, culture and identity, the country is charting a new path towards prosperity and reconciliation. The objective of the Vice Ministry of Tourism is to generate a positive impact in each of the locations that will be part of the World Religious Tourism Network, strengthening their economic and socio-cultural development.
The Colombian government invites the international community to join this transforming project, which not only seeks to boost tourism, but also to consolidate a legacy of peace and brotherhood through Colombia's spiritual wealth. With this strategy, the country projects itself as a destination that not only offers natural and cultural beauty, but also opens its doors to tourism experiences with a profound social and human impact.
Author: Carmen Chamorro García
Spanish Correspondent for Latin America and the Middle East (CIP/ ACPE)
Graduate in International Relations and Global Terrorism by the SEI.
Member Journalists Digital of NewYork
The Canadian Association of journalists (CAJ)
