The Diplomat
The winners of the “Innovation Challenge: Community Tourism: Colombia” were announced during the Executive Council held by UN Tourism in Cartagena de Indias this week.
The challenge was launched to identify leaders and ideas that are helping to build an inclusive future for the sector across the region and is organized in collaboration with Colombia’s Vice Ministry of Tourism and the National Tourism Fund (FONTUR).
The challenge aims to reach out to entrepreneurs, community-based organizations and Colombian companies committed to community-based tourism to work collaboratively on the development of projects that position Colombia as a leading destination in the field of community-based tourism, with a focus on sustainability and resilience.
The names of the winners of the challenge were announced at a special ceremony held in Cartagena de las Indias during the 122nd meeting of the Executive Council of UN Tourism:
- Category 1: Rural and urban communities: Comunidad del Encanto (Boyacá): Connects eight communities through gamified tourism experiences.
- Category 2: Women and youth: Lunaris (Nariño): Highlights the beauty of the El Charmolan Nature Reserve through conservation and visual storytelling.
- Category 3: Ethnic communities: Chiritour (Chocó): A cultural journey highlighting local traditions along the Atrato River.
- Category 4: Communities building peace: Museum of Art and Memory (Bolivar): Space for reflection and empowerment through textile art.
- Category 5: Companies that promote community-based tourism: Check: Offers sustainable travel experiences in 15 destinations, supporting local communities.
UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona says, “Community-based tourism is empowering people from all backgrounds, including women, youth and post-conflict social groups. These examples showcase Colombia’s best projects and leaders, making it clear that innovation can drive the creation of opportunities.”
UN Tourism leads policies and projects in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through its Department of Innovation, Education and Investment, it has developed 7 tourism entrepreneurship competitions (UN Tourism Startup Competitions), 6 Innovation Challenges (UN Specific Challenges) and numerous tourism innovation and technology forums (UN Tourism Tech Adventures), creating an Innovation Network that encompasses more than 7000 entrepreneurs, 500 companies, 400 public institutions, 250 educational centers, 40 incubators/accelerators and 290 investors. This vibrant connection has generated more than US$74 million in funding for new businesses.