Translated by Andrés Martínez
Andres Santamaria, Director of the Bogota Tourism Institute (IDT), brought good news for the Ciudad Bolívar district. They are set to launch a Tourist Information Point: The Visitor Center, aimed at strengthening services and tourist offerings in this district.
"As part of Mayor Carlos Fernando Galan's 100-day achievements, we are pleased to announce that Ciudad Bolivar will have a Visitor Center to cater to all visitors and tourists. We see tremendous potential in this district and wish to empower it with tools that bolster the local tourism offerings," confirmed Santamaría.
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The Director made this announcement during a visit to explore the district's tourism offerings and identify actions that the IDT can take to improve service provision and make community and rural tourism a catalyst for economic and social development.
The first stop on the tour was TransMicable, a transportation system that not only connects this district to various parts of the city but also offers breathtaking panoramic views, showcasing its diversity.
At the Mirador del Paraíso, a tour of the "Calle del Color" (Color Street) was conducted, a rehabilitated and redefined space aimed at boosting its tourism potential after years of violence. This serves as a shining example of how tourism has become a force for social transformation.
"That street used to be known as 'Calle del Miedo' (Street of Fear) due to insecurity and violence. People avoided it, but we took it upon ourselves to clean up, paint, and gradually the community joined us in turning the space into a vibrant and cherished place for tourism," stated May Rojas, one of the creators of the first tourism agency in the district, Bogota Colors.
Here, we share a post from the IDT related to Director Andrés Santamaría's visit to the Ciudad Bolívar district:
#InfoIDT I El director del @IDTBogota@AnSANTAMARIA, se compromete con prestadores de servicios turísticos de #Ciudadbolivar con la instalación de un punto de información móvil que garantice presencia institucional y servicios que complementen la experiencia turística. pic.twitter.com/eAow7TOF8G
— IDTBogota (@IDTBogota) January 16, 2024
One of the key figures behind the "Calle del Color" is Luis Ramírez, the founder of Asoproam, a travel agency offering rural experiences and well-being in the Pasquillita village. He celebrated Director Santamaría's visit as a means to boost tourism activity in the area.
"We, as a tourism route, have joined forces with the 'Calle del Color' Route to become stronger together, ensuring that more visitors can come and discover all the enterprises not only in the city but also in rural areas and experience the magic of the countryside," said Ramírez.
Another must-visit is the "Galería del Sabor" (Gallery of Flavors), which offers the famous colorful empanadas, a local culinary delight that has become an essential component of Paradise's tourist attractions. Here, a graffiti workshop was conducted with May Rojas and Luisa Sabogal, explaining the different strokes and techniques to create shapes and figures.
During the workshop, the Director announced a partnership with a private entity to fund a mural on one of the streets of Mirador del Paraíso, further promoting social tourism through art and culture.
The final stop was the "Museo de la Ciudad Autoconstruida" (Museum of the Self-Built City), which captures the history and spirit of the local inhabitants with a unique narrative. This space, consisting of five levels, welcomes around 15,000 visitors per month. Santamaría praised the museum as a valuable testament to the creativity and community effort that has shaped Ciudad Bolívar over time.
The day concluded with a meeting with tourism service providers to hear their proposals and needs firsthand, a crucial step in the Director's strategy to build inclusive tourism that solidifies Bogota as a world-class destination.
During the meeting, Andrea Ochoa, spokesperson for the "Agencia Amigos del Turista" (Friends of the Tourist Agency), emphasized that all tourism agencies are working together to change perceptions and stigmas. "We are not criminals; we are displaced by violence seeking opportunities to move forward. What we ask for is a chance to offer a different kind of tourism, where visitors don't just take a tour but live a whole experience."
Finally, Santamaría expressed his commitment to training tour guides, announcing that the Institute will support the training and certification of 40 new professional guides. "One of the significant achievements before completing Mayor Carlos Fernando Galan's first 100 days in office is to have 40 new professionally accredited guides to continue promoting social tourism in the city. These young people not only showcase the beauty of the locality but also work with the community, reclaim spaces, and cultivate leaders who contribute to the city," he concluded.
It's worth noting that visits like the one to Ciudad Bolívar will be conducted in all districts of the city to position Bogota as one of the world's top tourist destinations.
