This Wednesday, February 26, 2025, the 44th edition of the Vitrina Turística de ANATO kicked off at Corferias, Bogotá. The event, considered the most important in the sector in Colombia, brings together 46 countries and more than 1,200 exhibitors, establishing itself as an essential platform for national and international tourism. This year, Brazil and Santa Marta are the featured destinations, reflecting their growth and relevance in the tourism industry.

During the opening ceremony, Paula Cortés Calle, Executive President of ANATO, welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of this event for economic growth and innovation in the sector:
"Welcome to the 44th edition of the Vitrina Turística de ANATO, a stage where culture, innovation, and economic growth opportunities come together for our country."

Cortés Calle emphasized the importance of collaboration between different entities to achieve the proposed goals:
"We must work hand in hand with the National Government, trade associations, and local government to achieve our proposed objectives."

She also highlighted the growth of tourism in Colombia in recent years, noting an 8.5% increase in international visitors in 2024. This growth has strengthened job creation and sustainable development in various communities across the country.

"Colombia has experienced a remarkable surge in international visitors in recent years; in 2024 alone, this growth was 8.5%, which not only enhances the image of our regions but also strengthens job creation and sustainable development in our communities."

"Tourism shows annual growth exceeding 10% in its added value, and according to our projections, it contributed more than 40 million pesos to the national economy last year."

"This support for the tourism sector has yielded results, not only positioning us as the second-largest generator of foreign exchange from exports in 2024 but also contributing to national economic growth."

"This year, the Vitrina Turística de ANATO has 14% more exhibition space, positioning itself as the most relevant event in the region, with the participation of more than 1,500 national and international exhibitors."

For his part, President Gustavo Petro, who participated in the inauguration, underscored the strategic importance of tourism in Colombia’s economy:
"Agriculture and tourism are the two sectors that have performed best during my time in office."

The president highlighted that in 2024, Colombia welcomed nearly 6.7 million non-resident visitors, breaking records in the sector. He also stressed the need to improve the quality of tourism, focusing on the country’s natural and cultural strengths, as well as sports tourism. Petro also mentioned that tourism has surpassed coal and oil in strategic importance for the nation.

The Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, Luis Carlos Reyes, highlighted the diversity and richness of Colombian regions as the main attraction for visitors:
"The Vitrina Turística de ANATO is the window through which we present to the world the exuberance and richness of our regions. From the Amazon, the plains, and La Guajira, to our mountain ranges. There is no corner of the country where the song of birds cannot be heard."

On a local level, Bogotá’s Mayor, Carlos Fernando Galán, projected the arrival of approximately 15 million tourists to the city in 2025, including 2 million international visitors and 13 million domestic travelers. Galán emphasized the role of tourism in the city’s economy and its contribution to urban transformation. Currently, Bogotá's tourism industry comprises more than 11,225 companies, generates over 100,000 jobs, and contributes nearly 2.9 trillion pesos to the city’s GDP.

The Vitrina Turística de ANATO 2025 will run until February 28, offering a platform for business exchange, destination promotion, and strengthening the tourism industry in Colombia and worldwide.