Madrid, Jan 25 (EFE).- Colombian tourism companies expect to increase their business expectations generated this year in Features by 85 percent compared to the previous edition of the international tourism exhibition in Madrid, exceeding 15.6 million dollars, the state reported this Wednesday the entity ProColombia.

“Features have become one of the most important scenarios for the tourism business in Latin America,” Colombian Undersecretary of Tourism Arturo Bravo was quoted as saying in this statement from the Colombian tourism promotion agency.

The undersecretary highlighted that “Colombia is among the most attractive countries in the region due to its natural and cultural diversity”, which is why he promoted the tour offer at the exhibition “which now includes new destinations for peace”, with participation “in international events where we have the opportunity to tell how tourism is consolidated as a tool that contributes to total peace and environmental regeneration”.

The 38 companies that the country presented at the exhibition had nearly 600 appointments with entrepreneurs from 48 countries such as Spain, Britain, Germany, the United States, Mexico and Italy, and 90 percent of the meetings resulted in attractive business opportunities, according to a statement

ProColombia President Carmen Caballero highlighted “a very strong agenda (…) with key players on the international tourism scene, from both the public and private sectors, who are helping us position ourselves as a sustainable and biodiverse destination that supports their communities.”

In appointments with Spanish entities, the Colombian delegation met with representatives from the Institute of Foreign Trade, the Spanish Chamber of Commerce or the Confederation of Spanish Business Organizations.

“The tourists who visit us the most are from Madrid, followed by the French,” said Mónica Anacona, Tourism coordinator of the Office of the Mayor of Popayán, who for the first time participated in Features to promote attractions such as gastronomy, Holy Week , declared Unesco heritage, or the Colombian city carnival this.

Hundreds of visitors came to exhibitor Colombia, which has a triangular gigantography of the country’s sustainable goals, to enjoy its cultural performances such as the Vallenato party show by Jorge Antonio Oñate, signature dances of the Macondo Indigenous Cultural Association and gastronomic tastings at Madrid’s famous Patacón Pisao restaurant. EFE

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