Governor Libardo Simancas

At the shore of the warm “Carib Indian Sea,” as described by explorer Pedro de Heredia, is the walled, historic city of Cartagena de Indias. A treasure of Spanish military and religious monuments of the 16th century, the city hosts significant international conventions and cultural events along with large-scale sports competitions.

The beauty of its streets and pleasant climate inspires many young couples to get married there. Its 100-year-old port is still the gateway
to South America, and its beaches and beautiful sandy islands welcome all types of tourists for whom there is always a fit-to-taste accommodation and exciting nightlife. Despite Colombia’s violent reputation, Cartagena seems far removed from these conflicts and remains one of the safest places to visit in Colombia.

After the capital, Bogota, Cartagena is the second most-visited destination in Colombia. Officials report steady growth in visitors to the city over the last four years beginning in 2003 with some 600,000 tourists increasing to 780,000 in 2004, to 934,000 in 2005 and an impressive 1.5 million in 2006. Vice President Francisco Santos attributes the increase to new airlines that have added Colombia as a destination and an improved perception of the country’s security.

International cruise companies are increasing their stops in Cartagena as well. Some 47,063 passengers visited the city during this year’s cruise season, nearly 9,000 more than the 38,446 who came in 2004. Still, a ship “The Heroic” is expected to receive 100,000 more passengers in 2008, when Royal Caribbean International will establish this city as a port of origin for its cruises.

Photo Courtesy of Corporacion Turismo Cartagena Torre del Reloj

Photo Courtesy of Corporacion Turismo Cartagena Isla del Rosario

Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Cartagena de Indias includes a diversified array of historic preservation sites, interesting museums, palaces, charming colonial squares and impressive stone fortresses. Promenades through the city can be made in colorful buses, horse-drawn carriages, often with audio guides, like “Cultural Path,” which tells stories about the sites while live actors in costumes recreate scenes from the Spanish colonial period.

In addition to its rich history, beaches, exotic islands and beautiful blue water, the city is also a world reference for cultural events and conventions. The International Film Festival, the Hay Festival and the International Jazz Festival, all are based in Cartagena.

The International Center for the Professional Development of Journalists, (Fundación Nuevo Periodismo Iberoaméricano), created by Nobel Prize laureate Gabriel García Márquez and the international dance group Colegio del Cuerpo also call Cartagena home. The Hollywood production movie “Love in the Time of Cholera,” according to the producer, “could not be filmed anywhere else.” The National Beauty pageant also takes place in Cartagena every year.

With an international airport, more than 3,000 rooms available in four and five star hotels and the modern meeting center Centro de Convenciones, the walled city is often chosen for world business events and meetings. This year, Cartagena will host the World Tourism Organization (WTO) meeting as well as TravelMart LatinAmerica 2007 showroom.

With outstanding choices for adventurers, romantics, history aficionados, entrepreneurs and artists, Cartagena has it all!