Discovering Colombia

Colombia is making itself known as the up and coming business destination. “It’s an affordable place, it’s very different, the gastronomy and shopping is great, and we have authentic culture. It’s an amazing place,” says Claudia Davila, corporate tourism director for the Colombia Government Trade Bureau, Proexport USA. 

Situated on the northwestern end of South America, Colombia is easily accessible—just a 2.5 hour flight from Miami, with eight international airports—yet diverse and exotic enough to make for a distinct and one-of-a-kind experience. It is also a year-round destination. “This year, we’ve had almost 6,000 international flights so far,” says Maria Jose Abuabara Arenas, executive director of the Cartagena de Indias Convention Bureau. For affordability—from technology needs to transportation to F&B—Colombia fits the bill. Add to that, the country is known for its warm hospitality and service. 

“A point we want to make when we sell Colombia is perception vs. reality. We are investing a lot in hotels,” says Davila. A 239-room JW Marriott debuted in the capital city, Bogota, in September 2010, and a 280-room InterContinental property will open in Cartagena in 2013. “Jack Nicklaus is also building a new 18-hole golf course in Cartagena at the Karibana resort,“ she adds. 

While the entire country is home to a rich diversity and beauty, there is no place quite like Cartagena de Indias. The Caribbean coastal city’s Old City section, or  “Corralito de Piedra,” is surrounded by walls which date back to the 16th century, when they were built to defend the city against pirates and buccaneers.

Today, the history of the city is alive and well. “The old churches and architecture, colonial houses, lively narrow streets, the Fortress of San Felipe de Barajas, and the Heredia Theater make for impressive incentive programs,” says Maria Cristina Pimiento, regional director of the Proexport Cartagena Office. The new Gabriel Garcia Marquez soundtrack guidance system links the monuments of the city to anecdotes about the author’s life and work. “It’s an innovative option for incentives and motivational experiences,” says Abuabara Arenas. Groups are also drawn to the Inquisition Museum and the Museum of the Zenú Culture. They can stay at luxury hotels restored from convents, like the 119-room Sofitel Santa Clara, or at boutique properties like the 32-room Hotel Cartagena de Indias. 

A big lure of Cartagena is that modern, high-tech convention facilities and hotels are a stone’s throw away from the Old City—and development is on the rise. “Cartagena will debut 2,500 new hotel rooms in the next three years,” says Abuabara Arenas. “We have Sofitel Accor and Hilton and the expansion of the Las Americas hotel. We’ll have a new 250-room tower and more than 500 rooms when it’s completed, and the convention center will go from an 800-person capacity to 2,000.” 

Cartagena affords small meeting and incentive guests rare experiences that speak to the city’s heritage, unique flavor, and beautiful natural surroundings. “Groups can sail to the Bay of Cartagena de Indias on a Spanish galleon or a sailboat,” suggests Pimiento, of Proexport Cartagena. Attendees can take part in an event in Castillo San Felipe, a plaza square, or on the wall surrounding the Old City. “You can go on a bucanero ride on the bay or go scuba diving. And on the island of Majagua, we can integrate the whole group and play ‘Survivor,’” Davila points out. Majagua is an incentive experience all its own; groups can enjoy the island’s diving, lobster dining, and the 17-room San Pedro de Majagua Hotel.