Officials in the Colombian government want to promote La Guajira as tourist destination by allowing international cruise ships to dock. The government is now working with local private industry to get involved in the international cruise industry. By doing so, Colombia hopes to attract more interest in the region for international visitors.
New cruise port in La Guajira
Located on the Caribbean Sea in the northeast of Colombia, La Guajira is about to become a new international cruise port. In fact, officials are particularly interested in attracting cruises from the United States. Meanwhile, the government also wants to develop new strategies and infrastructure to make the port destination even more attractive.
Speaking to the local newspaper El Tiempo, José Emilio Sierra, the Director of the Tourism Department explained their plans. He said the most important thing is that there is already interest in La Guajira. Sierra went on to present the benefits and strengths that the region has as a “unique and biodiverse destination.” Colombia wants La Guajira to continue to be of great interest to international travelers.
Officials in La Guajira had a virtual meeting with the American Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association. They discussed the advantages and services available for tourists in the region. Meanwhile, officials also spoke of the possibility for cruises to disembark in Puerto Brisa in the Dibulla county.
“The visibility strategy of La Guajira as a unique tourist destination includes the use of infrastructures such as Puerto Brisa or the implementation of models used in other countries, such as expeditionary cruises that could anchor in Alta Guajira,” Sierra said.
How do things stand right now?
Initially, ProColombia, the government agency tasked with promoting tourism, is working with Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence to develop the tourism project.
From May 1, Colombia has eased its COVID-19 travel restrictions and dropped the face mask mandate. Moreover, the South American country now allows unvaccinated travelers to enter as long as they provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
Due to these measures, interest in Colombia is growing, with more international travelers arriving in the country. Nowadays, the cruise industry is particularly interested in the region, due to its idyllic Caribbean beaches and rich local culture.
Moreover, despite the fact that Royal Caribbean has not been stopping in Colombia for the last nine years, this is about to change. The cruise line recently announced that it will resume operations in the destination from 2023. It will be stopping at the traditional cruise port of Cartagena.
However, with the new plans, La Guajira will be yet another potential stop for cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean. Due to this, it could soon become an attractive destination for cruises and travelers alike.
Interest growing in Colombia
As the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have eased in Latin America, more people are keen to travel and interest is growing in Colombia as a touristic destination. A recent report shows that US travelers make up the majority of international visitors heading to Colombia. In fact, as compared to 2021, bookings for vacations in the country have increased by 230 percent.
While the capital, Bogotá, is popular, international visitors have a growing interest in the idyllic beaches of Cartagena. Meanwhile, Medellin is another popular destination, known as being a safe place to experience Colombia’s culture. Here, travelers can appreciate the beautiful landscapes, the attractive architecture and the delicious local cuisine.
However, now, Colombia will be adding La Guajira to the list of tourist destinations. The city is located in the northeast of Colombia close to the border with Venezuela and overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Here, travelers can enjoy the great weather and excellent beaches, as well as the rural areas, with their mountains, deserts and forests. While in the area, visitors can learn about the local Wayúu indigenous culture and their traditions.
It looks like those who love to cruise can anticipate another great destination from 2023, as La Guajira opens as an international cruise port. Find out about the latest entry requirements for traveling to Colombia on the Check MIg website here.
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