Santa Marta signs historic 500-year pact at FITUR 2025

25-01-25

In an unprecedented event, Santa Marta, recognized as Colombia's oldest city, has established a transcendental commitment to its future by signing the “500 Years Pact” during the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) 2025 in Madrid. This agreement, led by Mayor Carlos Pinedo Cuello, seeks to transform the city into a benchmark of modernity, sustainability and competitiveness, honoring its rich cultural heritage while projecting it into the coming centuries.

The signing ceremony, held in the context of one of the world's most prominent tourism events, symbolizes the collaboration between the district administration, the private sector, civil society, academia and international organizations. All these actors have come together with the common goal of promoting the integral development of Santa Marta.

Mayor Pinedo Cuello said during his speech: “We face the enormous challenge of preparing Santa Marta not only for these 500 years, but also for the next. This pact calls us to reconnect with our roots, redefine our identity and project ourselves towards a future full of possibilities for all our citizens”.

The “500 Years Pact” is based on four fundamental pillars:

• Cultural and Heritage Identity: preserve and promote the historical and cultural richness of the District, ensuring that future generations recognize and value its legacy.

• Tourism and Economic Development: position Santa Marta as a world-class tourist destination, taking advantage of its natural and cultural attractions to attract visitors and investment.

• Social Inclusion and Equity: reduce inequality gaps, ensuring that all citizens have access to basic services and development opportunities.

• Innovation and Technology: transform the city into a benchmark for smart cities in the Caribbean region, incorporating technological solutions that improve the quality of life of its inhabitants.

To achieve these objectives, key strategies have been outlined that include improving access to potable water and basic sanitation, revitalizing the Historic Center, strengthening competitiveness through programs such as “Talento Santa Marta” and international projection through participation in fairs such as FITUR.

The district administration will assume leadership in the execution of key projects, guaranteeing transparency and effective coordination with the different levels of government. The private sector is committed to promoting investments in strategic areas, while citizens will play an essential role in fostering a culture based on respect, responsibility and sustainability.

In addition, international organizations and external entities will offer technical and financial support, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and promoting Santa Marta as a global destination for tourism and economic development.

Participation in FITUR 2025

Santa Marta's presence at FITUR 2025, financed by the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), provided an opportunity to present the city's tourism wealth to more than 8,500 international companies and 30 wholesale travel agencies from Spain and Europe. José Domingo Dávila, director of the District Institute of Tourism (Indetur), said: “We are positioning Santa Marta as a unique destination. This is a decisive step towards attracting investment, generating employment and consolidating our city as an international reference for sustainable tourism”.

With the signing of the “500 Years Pact,” Santa Marta reaffirms its commitment to history, sustainability and future generations. This agreement lays the foundation for a comprehensive development that honors the city's past while building a future full of opportunities.

The implementation of this pact not only seeks to improve the city's infrastructure and services, but also to strengthen the social fabric, promote education and culture, and ensure inclusive and sustainable economic development.

It is expected that, through this commitment, Santa Marta will be consolidated as a role model in terms of sustainable urban development, social integration and cultural preservation, serving as an inspiration for other cities in Colombia and the world.

Collaboration among the different actors involved will be crucial to the success of the proposed initiatives, and the entire Samaria community is invited to actively participate in this transformation process that will set the course of the city for centuries to come.