TourCert further establishes its certification system through empowerment
The landscape of the country at the northern tip of South America is characterized by rain forests, the Andes and numerous coffee plantations. It intrigues with its natural diversity such as the beautiful Tayrona National Park, but also with the culture and colonial style of the cities and the traditional coffee fincas.
Travelling to Colombia is trendy, the number of visitors has skyrocketed in recent years and the country continues to develop into one of Latin America’s most popular tourist destinations. In 2017, 70,691 holidaymakers came from Germany alone, almost 23 % more than in the previous year.
Colombia is also making great strides in terms of sustainability. This is promoted by the TourCert Latina project, supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA). In addition to its activities in Ecuador and Peru, the certification organization TourCert is increasingly continuing its approach to corporate development in Colombia.
13 tour operators are already certified there and lead international tourism as part of the ACOTUR (Asociación de Turismo Responsable) association. The organization works for the development and promotion of responsible tourism in Colombia and is a strategic partner of TourCert.
To further anchor TourCert’s certification system, a consultant and auditor course was held in Bogotá from 21 to 23 July 2018. Eight experts were trained and simultaneously gained practical experience with four companies in Santa Marta, Rioacha and Bogotá in order to successfully implement sustainable business practices on site.
The national standards for the tourism sector, the “Normas Técnicas Sectoriales de Turismo Sostenible”, which apply in Colombia, have already raised the standard of sustainability in tourism to a very high level; through the certification by TourCert, companies now also reach international level.
The aim is to establish even more sustainable members of the ACOTUR association on a long-term basis and thus also to offer tour operators in Germany evidently sustainable partners for their offers.
Please find further information on the TourCert Latina project here.
Tags
ACOTUR, ADA, Colombia, development, Sustainability
