Policies for Enhancing Sustainability and Competitiveness in Tourism in Colombia

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Policies for enhancing sustainability and competitiveness in tourism in Colombia

´ ´ Clara Ines Sanchez and Maria Eugenia Jaramillo-Hurtado

´ Vice-Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism, Bogota, Colombia

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of tourism policy in Colombia and explain the measures being adopted to enhance the competitiveness and the economic contribution of the tourism sector. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents an historical perspective on tourism in Colombia from 1998 to 2008 and explains the policy initiatives that have been designed to advance the development of tourism and expand the impact of sustainable ecotourism as a strategy for promoting conservation and protection of the Amazon rainforest in Colombia. Findings – The paper discusses the success of Colombia where tourism grew (and is projected to grow) at a rate faster than that predicted for global tourism. The partnerships forged at the national level have also been important to implement policy decisions aimed at the development of sustainable tourism. Practical implications – Member Countries of the Treaty of Amazon Cooperation that have not yet defined or elaborated a mid- to long-term national tourism development strategy would find the Colombia model a useful point of reference. Originality/value – This paper holds special value for those working in the areas of tourism policy development and tourism planning in Amazon Member Countries. Keywords Tourism, Tourism development, Sustainable development, Colombia Paper type Case study

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Introduction Describing the wealth of Colombia is no easy task, as the country might appear to have been taken straight out of a fantasy tale. The existence of jungles, valleys, snowed peaks, volcanoes, seas, islands, deserts, forests, rivers, lakes,...