The Secretary of Economic Development, Richard Fernández, shared details about Barranquilla’s growth and strengthening.
Barranquilla, Colombia’s ‘Golden Gate,’ is known for its warm people, historic streets, and rich culture.
Located by the Magdalena River, the capital of Atlántico has become an attractive destination for national and international visitors due to its diverse tourism offerings.
District Economic Development Secretary Richard Fernández stated that Barranquilla is strengthening itself as a hub for vacation and business tourism.
“The city has become a center for corporate events thanks to modernized hotel infrastructure and the Puerta de Oro Convention Center, which hosted over 43 fixed events in 2023. It also features sports facilities and event halls, placing Barranquilla in the ICCA ranking of the top 63 Latin American cities for events,” he said.
The Magdalena River and Puerto Mocho beaches have increased Barranquilla’s appeal as a destination for enjoying natural spaces and outdoor recreational activities.
“Commercial navigation around the Magdalena River has been revitalized through more than four agencies, including the Karakalí river bus. Soon, the Bocas de Ceniza tourist train and a free bus tour of the city’s main attractions, like the Metropolitano Stadium, will be launched,” Fernández noted.
The Carnival is also part of Barranquilla’s tourist offerings, attracting thousands of spectators each year. Thanks to the city’s efforts, the Carnival Museum, inaugurated in 2019, features interactive rooms, allowing visitors to enjoy Carnival year-round.
Although Barranquilla has many attractions, the Gran Malecón del Río remains a favorite among national and international tourists. Since its opening in 2017, this flagship project has welcomed 26 million tourists who enjoy its green spaces and restaurants.
Historical Tourism
El Prado neighborhood, one of the city’s architectural treasures, has become a popular tourist destination thanks to its majestic mansions, wide streets, and colorful gardens.
This area, along with Barranquilla’s historic center, which includes Plaza de la Aduana, Paseo Bolívar, and the Atlántico Museum, adds to the city’s appeal.
Monuments
The Ventana de Campeones, also known as the ‘Shark Fin,’ is a 33-meter monument built by Tecnoglass in tribute to Junior de Barranquilla, the local football team. Located near the Malecón del Río, it serves as a beacon for ships approaching the city’s port.
In this “open-air museum,” visitors can see the handprints of Junior’s greatest players, like Carlos ‘el Pibe’ Valderrama, Teófilo Gutiérrez, Iván René Valenciano, and Giovanni Hernández.
Additionally, the Ventana al Mundo, a 45-meter-tall monument at the Circunvalar and Vía 40 roundabout, is one of the most photographed spots in Barranquilla, donated by Tecnoglass directors José Manuel and Christian Daes.
Ventana al Mundo
Ciénaga de Mallorquín Ecopark
The opening of the Ciénaga de Mallorquín Ecopark allows tourists to connect with nature in a serene and pleasant environment, engaging in water sports or other activities.
Visitors can explore trails through majestic mangroves and enjoy a colorful tapestry of flowers accompanied by a symphony of bird sounds.
These must-see spots for national and international tourists are presented by 60 certified tour guides with professional credentials and National Tourism Registration.
David Borge Donado, a member of one of the four district-supervised agencies, said these tours, lasting about an hour, showcase each site’s historical impact.
“Previously, locals had no access to view the Magdalena River in its entirety. We show how economic activity has flourished here and its recognition as a sustainable destination. Barranquilla has solidified its reputation as a business destination, attracting tourists year-round,” he said.
Ciénaga de Mallorquín Ecoparque
Gastronomy
According to Secretary of Economic Development Richard Fernández, Barranquilla boasts 89 tourist restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisine thanks to its multiculturalism. Caribbean flavors, international cuisine, and fusion options cater to all tastes and budgets.
Future Development
For the third consecutive year, Barranquilla has been recognized as South America’s Leading Festival and Event Destination by the World Travel Awards 2024. In the coming years, the city aims to further develop tourist routes focused on its cultural heritage.
Upcoming projects include the Malecón del Suroriente, a city tour bus, the Miramar Urban Forest, and the Bocas de Ceniza tourist train.
The Secretary of Economic Development highlighted the growth in tourist arrivals to Barranquilla.
“In 2015, the city received around 500,000 visitors, and 620,627 in 2016. By the end of 2023, we received 1,622,004 visitors, with 1,404,332 national and 217,648 international visitors, setting a historic record,” he said.
Barranquilla Tourist Trolley
Rankia
Recently, the company Rankia led the research, conducting a survey on the quality of life for the How Are We Doing Cities Network (RCCV). The study found that Barranquilla has the best quality of life in the country.
