Buga's participation in international events has been key to this growth. At the recent ANATO 2025 Tourism Showcase, the city presented itself as a world-class destination, highlighting its offer in faith, history, culture, heritage, nature, gastronomy, sport and adventure. During the event, the programme for the Jubilee and the Special Rogatives of the Lord of Miracles was launched, events that are expected to attract thousands of visitors in 2025.
The General Manager of the World Religious Tourism Network, Pilar Valdés, expressed her satisfaction with the growth of tourism in Buga, noting that ‘The scope of this network is global, as evidenced by the great success of the World Network during ANATO, with nearly 50 interviews conducted with representatives of destinations and religious tourism companies in countries such as Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Argentina and others.
Local entrepreneurs have also noticed this growth. Jhon Acosta, owner of Vox Tours Colombia, pointed out that they have received tourists from countries such as England, the United States, Peru and Mexico, which shows a palpable increase in the arrival of international visitors. ‘Positioning a destination is not an easy task, but Buga is achieving it,’ said Acosta.
The collaboration between the Mayor's Office, the Ministry of Tourism and the Buga Chamber of Commerce has been fundamental in establishing commercial connections and promoting the city in various spaces, such as the Colombia Pavilion of Excellence and the Heritage Towns and Valle del Cauca stands at ANATO.
Looking to the future, Buga is preparing to be one of the host cities of the I Itinerant Congress Jubilee Year 2025: Tourism, Evangelisation and Peace in the Territories, to be held in May 2025. This event, framed within the framework of the Universal Jubilee 2025, seeks to highlight the role of religious tourism in evangelisation, economic development and peace building in the territories. Buga's participation in this congress reaffirms its importance in religious tourism and its commitment to offer culturally and spiritually enriching experiences.
The Jubilee Year, which is celebrated every 25 years in the Catholic Church, is a special period of plenary indulgence, forgiveness and reconciliation, attracting thousands of believers from different places. With this congress, Guadalajara de Buga reaffirms its importance in religious tourism and prepares to receive thousands of visitors in 2025.
The integration of Buga in the World Religious Tourism Network has been a determining factor in its tourism growth. This alliance has allowed the city to access specialised international promotion and the support of experts in the field, which has contributed to a significant increase in the arrival of foreign tourists. In addition, participation in events and congresses has strengthened the image of Buga as a destination of faith and culture of worldwide relevance.
