The ceremony was attended by Mayor Julián Muriel Andrade and his administration, as well as the Executive President of the Tuluá Chamber of Commerce, Miguel Ángel González Bermúdez. Their participation reflects a strong institutional and business commitment to the municipality’s tourism development, based on a shared vision of strengthening the local economy through a sustainable model rooted in cultural and religious identity.
Bolívar del Valle stands out for its deep spiritual tradition, particularly linked to the devotion to the Divino Ecce Homo. This revered representation of Jesus Christ finds its main expression in the sanctuary located in the district of Ricaurte. Every year, between August 21 and 31, thousands of faithful gather at this site to take part in religious festivities that combine liturgical ceremonies, cultural expressions, and deeply rooted manifestations of faith within the community.
The Ecce Homo image, depicting Jesus in a moment of suffering during the Passion, holds profound spiritual significance for devotees. Its presence has made Bolívar a key reference point for religious tourism in the Valle del Cauca region, attracting not only pilgrims from across Colombia but also visitors interested in spirituality and local traditions.
In this context, joining the World Religious Tourism Network opens new opportunities for promoting the destination in international markets. The network, which brings together cities and sites of spiritual importance across different continents, facilitates the exchange of experiences, institutional cooperation, and global visibility for its members. For Bolívar, this integration represents a crucial platform to strengthen its positioning and attract a greater flow of visitors.
During the working sessions, several initiatives were discussed to consolidate Bolívar as a destination of faith. Among the proposals highlighted was the need to develop a structured promotion strategy to showcase the municipality’s spiritual richness throughout Colombia and in specialized international markets focused on religious tourism. The importance of improving tourism infrastructure and related services was also emphasized, ensuring a high-quality experience for visitors.
Another central topic was the development of a sustainable tourism model capable of generating economic benefits without compromising the cultural and religious values that define the city’s identity. In this regard, local authorities stressed the importance of involving the community in this process, encouraging the participation of entrepreneurs, artisans, and local tourism operators.
The strengthening of religious tourism in Bolívar also presents an opportunity to stimulate other sectors of the economy, such as gastronomy, commerce, and cultural offerings. The arrival of pilgrims and visitors not only increases economic activity but also contributes to the preservation and promotion of local traditions.
With its incorporation into the World Religious Tourism Network, Bolívar del Valle begins a new phase in its tourism development. The combination of faith, heritage, and institutional commitment positions the municipality as a destination with strong growth potential, capable of attracting travelers increasingly interested in authentic and meaningful experiences.
This progress not only reinforces the city’s spiritual identity but also projects Bolívar as an example of how tourism can become a tool for comprehensive development, respectful of culture and capable of generating opportunities for the entire community.
