Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism (MinCIT), in partnership with the Tourism Promotion Fund (Fontur), has announced a significant investment of over $21.793 million to enhance tourism in the country’s famed Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero). This initiative includes 29 projects aimed at improving infrastructure, promoting destinations, and fostering sustainable tourism development across the region’s three departments: Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindío.
Over the past two years, the government has prioritized the Coffee Region, recognizing its potential as a major tourism hub. The investment covers a wide range of projects, including:
- Competitiveness Enhancement: 13 projects worth $4.403 million are dedicated to diversifying tourism offerings, promoting destinations, and organizing events to attract more visitors.
- Infrastructure Improvement: 7 projects totaling $13.042 million will focus on building and upgrading infrastructure, such as boardwalks, eco-tourism trails, and gastronomic spaces.
- Destination Promotion: 3 projects with an investment of $1.224 million will promote the region’s unique attractions both domestically and internationally.
- Territorial Investment: 6 projects worth $3.124 million will support cultural events and tourism showcases in specific municipalities.
Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, Germán Umaña Mendoza, highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening the tourism value chain in the region. He emphasized that these investments will not only increase visitor numbers but also generate employment and improve the well-being of local communities.
Álvaro Balcázar, General Manager of Fontur, echoed this sentiment, stating that the focus is on responsible and sustainable tourism development that showcases the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.