Colombia Takes off with Airstrips That Open a Journey to Unexplored Territories

To promote emerging destinations and facilitate their access, ProColombia and the Civil Aeronautics Authority launched an unprecedented action to boost tourism and economic development. They seek to connect the world with Colombia's lesser-known territories, a country recognised for its unique tourism offerings and landscapes that, due to the complexity of its geography, have remained hidden from many around the world.

'Runways of Hidden Beauty' is a campaign highlighting the country's natural and cultural wealth, positioning Colombia as a top-tier destination in the region under the hashtags #BellezaEscondida and #HiddenBeauty. As part of this effort, the campaign aligns with the National Government's objective to improve air infrastructure in remote destinations, which includes the future optimisation of approximately 20 airfields in five of the six tourist regions of the country: the Colombian Grand Caribbean, the Colombian Pacific, the Colombian Amazon-Orinoquía, the Colombian Massif, and the Eastern Colombian Andes. This long-term plan aims to facilitate access to these hidden treasures, ensuring they are more accessible to visitors worldwide by opening a new path for tourism in Colombia.

Seeing how these airstrips have revealed natural wonders in Colombia is incredible. Among the destinations highlighted in the campaign are Tolú and Bahía Solano, two places of great natural wealth and tourism potential, where the Civil Aeronautics Authority has led the improvement of air infrastructure to strengthen connectivity and facilitate access for travellers arriving at the airstrips that help transform the tourism offering.

Tolú, for example, was prioritised for its natural wealth, tourism projection, and privileged location in the Colombian Caribbean. From these two cases, other points in the country with similar characteristics have been identified that will be part of this effort to boost tourism, improve regional connectivity, and breathe new life into the country's lesser-known destinations.

Additionally, the campaign is aimed at strategic markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Argentina, and Germany, as well as emerging countries like the Netherlands and Italy, giving a new air to tourism in Colombia. "The Runways of Hidden Beauty' campaign values Colombia's natural and cultural wealth, promoting authentic experiences that respond to the new motivations of travelers. This initiative is expected to attract a wide variety of tourists, from those seeking connection with nature and culture to those interested in community tourism or enjoying vacations in sun and beach destinations," explained Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia.

What experiences can be found in these destinations?

Tourists from these markets can enjoy different experiences on their journey and rewrite the story of the most disconnected regions of Colombia, thanks to collaboration with tour operators who have dedicated their knowledge and facilities to providing services to the thousands of tourists now arriving in these regions. This marks a turning point in the revelation of Colombia's natural beauty.

Tolú, in the department of Sucre, is one of the most representative destinations of the Colombian Caribbean due to its combination of tranquil beaches, local culture, and natural experiences. In addition to its coastal appeal, Tolú is a starting point for exploring places like the Ciénaga de la Leche, San Bernardo Island, and the mangroves of Coveñas, ideal for observing flora and fauna. Nearby are destinations such as the Altamira Natural Refuge in Chalán, the Toluviejo Caves, the Wapiti Forest Reserve, and the Sanguaré Natural Reserve in San Onofre. The area also connects with routes to the Montes de María, known for its wells, springs, and caves, and to the Paramillo National Natural Park. This diversity makes Tolú a place with multiple possibilities for nature, culture, and adventure tourism.

On the other hand, Bahía Solano is an ideal destination for travellers seeking nature, biodiversity, and authentic experiences. It is known for the sighting of humpback whales that arrive each year in the warm waters of Nuquí and surrounding areas to breed, as well as for the presence of sea turtles and a great diversity of species in its jungles and rivers. Besides the Utría National Natural Park and El Almejal beach, the area offers must-visit sites like the Cascada del Tigre, hikes to Termales and Jurubirá, and ecological trails guided by indigenous communities such as the Emberá of Mecana. Visitors can also enjoy beaches like Guachalito, Punta Brava, and Termales, as well as the Jovi and Tundó rivers, which hide waterfalls and natural pools. The destination has a growing offer of sustainable accommodations such as Posada Chachita, Hotel Mecana, and MorroMico. This makes Bahía Solano a unique place for nature tourism, relaxation, and connection with local communities.

"With this initiative, we hope the impact transcends tourism and translates into a real transformation for the well-being of thousands of communities. If we can get more travelers to these destinations thanks to improved connectivity, their presence could become an unprecedented boost for local economies. Additionally, working hand in hand with Military Engineers on infrastructure projects allows us to convey a message of closeness to communities and trust for those who visit us," said the president of ProColombia.