Medellín’s Secretary of Tourism and Entertainment, José Alejandro González Jaramillo, affirms the city’s commitment to fostering a safe and respectful tourism environment. With a 34-year tenure in both the public and private sectors of the tourism industry, Jaramillo brings a wealth of experience to his role as the first person to hold this position in the city.
In an interview, Jaramillo highlighted the advantages Medellín offers as a tourist destination, noting the city attracted about 220,000 foreign tourists in the first quarter alone, many arriving via José María Córdova Airport. Despite some challenges, the city is making strides in correcting them, leveraging its global artists and natural beauty without significant effort from the public administration.
Medellín is not only focusing on its aesthetic appeal but also on reviving its meeting tourism sector, which had been previously overlooked. Jaramillo also praised the city’s temperate climate, which is mild compared to the harsh winters in other parts of the world, making it an attractive year-round destination.
The city, renowned for its green spaces and as a regional hub, offers diverse climates within short distances, providing a competitive edge in attracting tourists seeking varied experiences.
However, Jaramillo expressed concerns about a small segment of tourists who engage in criminal activities, stressing that these individuals are not considered tourists but criminals. To combat this, the city has launched a campaign titled “Don’t Even Try, It’s a Crime,” aimed at discouraging illegal activities, especially those affecting vulnerable populations. The campaign is already active in airports and other key locations around the city, with messages in both Spanish and English.
Regarding public policy on tourism, Jaramillo explained that efforts are underway to form a team to implement strategies aimed at attracting tourists who respect the city’s values and contribute positively to the community. This includes partnerships with local service providers, health professionals, and the hotel sector to ensure that tourism in Medellín remains world-class and aligned with the city’s standards of respect and legality.
Jaramillo’s message to potential visitors is clear: Medellín is open to tourists who add value and engage respectfully with the local community, culture, and environment. The city embraces tourists who come to experience its rich cultural and natural offerings, from community-based and sports tourism to culinary and business travel.