Bogota, October 2024. In order to consolidate tourism in downtown Bogota and highlight the achievements in the districts of Los Mártires, La Candelaria and Santa Fe, the Bogota Chamber of Commerce, together with the Gilberto Álzate Foundation - FUGA, will showcase the work done throughout the three phases of the “Community Tourism in Downtown Bogota” project.

This space will take place today from 9:00 a.m. at the LaK-Zona auditorium (Calle 15 # 9 - 64), in the Veracruz neighborhood of the Santa Fe district, and will be key to strengthen the contact networks between local actors and regional tour operators, promoting new opportunities for collaboration and expansion in the tourist routes designed by the community.

The “Community Tourism in Downtown Bogota” program has been based on a collaborative approach, integrating the work of various actors and programs already operating in the localities of Los Mártires, La Candelaria and Santa Fe. This effort has complemented urban and social development initiatives in the Bronx Creative District, adding to existing cultural and economic revitalization projects in the area. The objective has been to strengthen the capacities of local actors through workshops, mentoring and community-designed tourist routes, integrating cultural, gastronomic and community tourism as key tools for social transformation.

According to the most recent figures of the Tourism Cluster Initiative, in 2024 there were 10,842 companies linked to the sector, generating 105,812 jobs in Bogota. The contribution of tourism to the city's GDP reaches 3%, with annual sales amounting to $18.2 billion pesos. In terms of business structure, 86.9% are microenterprises, 9.2% are small companies, 2.9% are medium-sized companies, and 1.0% are large companies, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of the sector in the local economy.

Ovidio Claros, president of the Bogota Chamber of Commerce, stated that “The Tourism Cluster, led by the Bogota Chamber of Commerce, has developed activities tailored to the needs of the market to strengthen companies in the tourism sector. Through this collaboration, we seek to position Bogota as a competitive tourist destination, offering authentic and enriching experiences that reflect the true essence of our community. The social transformation we aim to achieve goes beyond mere tourism promotion; it is about generating a positive and lasting impact on the community and the fabric of our city.”

Blanca Andrea Sánchez, director of FUGA, assured that “Community-based tourism is fundamental for the revitalization and resignification of territories, as it not only boosts the living heritage of downtown Bogotá, but also connects cultural and creative industry initiatives with local knowledge and needs. This strategy allows communities to become the protagonists of their own narrative, making traditional trades visible, strengthening the sense of belonging and boosting the local economy. It also creates spaces for both visitors and residents to recognize and value the country's cultural diversity.

This space not only seeks to make visible the strengthening process carried out with micro-entrepreneurs and community actors in the localities of Mártires, Candelaria and Santa Fe, but also to generate a crucial connection space between these actors and tour operators at the regional level. This initiative underscores the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce's commitment to community-based tourism as a tool for social and economic transformation. In addition, it is expected that the results and lessons learned in the process will inspire other entrepreneurs in the sector, promoting the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Enlarged Center and encouraging the articulation of new initiatives.

To participate in this space, you must register your entry at the following link: https://comunidaddigital.ccb.org.co/index/events/eb9a5ad3-8cf0-4f4d-80d3-3ca0ea6ced62