UN Tourism Innovation Challenge Unveils Winners in Colombia

Friday, November 15, 2024

The “Innovation Challenge: Community Tourism: Colombia” wrapped up at the 122nd session of the Executive Council. This initiative, launched in partnership with Colombia’s Vice Ministry of Tourism and the National Tourism Fund (FONTUR), sought to discover leaders and innovative ideas that contribute to an inclusive future for community tourism across the region.

The challenge engaged entrepreneurs, community organizations, and Colombian companies dedicated to enhancing community-based tourism. These collaborators are pioneering projects that spotlight Colombia as a premier destination for sustainable, community-focused tourism.

Winners were celebrated in Cartagena de las Indias during the Executive Council meeting of UN Tourism. The awards spanned several categories:

1. Rural and Urban Communities: Comunidad del Encanto (Boyacá) – Integrating eight communities with gamified tourism experiences.
2. Women and Youth: Lunaris (Nariño) – Promoting conservation and storytelling at the El Charmolan Nature Reserve.
3. Ethnic Communities: Chiritour (Chocó) – Offering cultural insights along the Atrato River with a focus on local traditions.
4. Communities Building Peace: Museum of Art and Memory (Bolivar) – A venue fostering reflection and empowerment via textile art.
5. Companies Promoting Community-Based Tourism: Check – Delivering sustainable travel across 15 destinations to benefit local communities.

UN Executive Director of Tourism, Natalia Bayona, noted that “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.”

The UN Tourism’s Department of Innovation, Education, and Investment oversees initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This department has initiated 7 tourism entrepreneurship competitions, 6 Innovation Challenges, and various forums on tourism innovation and technology, fostering a thriving Innovation Network. This network includes over 7,000 entrepreneurs, 500 companies, 400 public institutions, 250 educational institutions, 40 incubators/accelerators, and 290 investors, collectively generating over US$74 million in funding for new ventures.

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