Colombia is actively promoting astrotourism as a way to boost international tourism and foster sustainable rural development and MinCit, the Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism has launched a national call named "Colombia : Destino Astroturístico",
This initiative aims to consolidate the country as a regional benchmark in astrotourism promoting sustainable experiences with the purpose to identify and develop suitable stargazing locations showcasing Colombia's unique geographic advantage for observing both the northern and southern constellations in rural areas.
The call is aimed at territorial entities, tourism service providers, associations, academic institutions and astronomical groups. The objective is to identify and accompany territories with high potential for astrotourism.
Astroturism also known as stargazing tourism, is travel focused on experiencing the night sky, celestial events and astronomy - related activities, often in areas with minimal light pollution. It encompasses various forms, from planned trips to see meteor showers or eclipses, to simply enjoying the beauty of the Milky Way in a dark sky location, an emerging segment that combines nature, science and local development.
In addition astrotourism generates economic development, promotes scientific education, the conservation of the natural environment and the strengthening of local identity through narratives about the universe and the cosmos.
The initiative "Colombia : Destino Astroturístico" highlights the government's commitment to responsible, innovative and knowledge – based tourism, where science, culture and landscape are integrated to create meaningful experiences.
In addition to diversifying the tourism offer, the project seeks to generate income in rural communities, promote environmental monitoring and strengthen community participation in the registration of astronomical data, in line with the Tourism Sector Plan 2022 - 2026 : "Tourism in Harmony with Life".
Colombia has privileged conditions for astrotourism : dark and clear skies, low light pollutions in large rural areas and and a relevant geographical location that allows you to observe constellations from both the northern and southern hemispheres.
The strategy envisaged by MinCit is seeking to identify up to 50 potential destinations through satellite data and local assessments with dark skies and minimal light pollution, prioritizing those with high tourism potential.
Of these ten standout destinations will be selected to receive a specialized diagnosis, technical support, scientific assessment and marketing assistance to establish them as prominent astrotourism destinations.
Destinations such as the Tatacoa Desert, the second largest arid zone in Colombia after the Guajira Peninsula occupying more than 330 square kilometres located north of Huila Department and Villa de Leyva, renowned touristic colonial town northeast of Bogotá in the Ricarte Province, part of the Boyacá Department are already recognized by astronomy enthusiasts.
The potential extends to territories such as La Guajira, department on the Caribbean Sea, bordering Venezuela, encompassing most of the Guajira Peninsula, a land characterized by desert lasndscapes and giant sand dunes, Nariño, department in the west of the country, bordering Ecuador and the Pacific Ocean and Caquetá Department, located in the Amazonas region could benefit from the growth of this type of tourism.
The call is open until 11th July 2025. Each territory may submit a single application, which will be evaluated by technical and strategic criteria. The 10 selected territories will receive comprehensive support to structure tourism products based on starry sky.
Those interested can register through the official website of MinCit tourist calls. Colombia, the "el País de la Belleza", the country of the beauty, is now committed to conquering the sky as an engine of development and sustainable tourism.
Link
https://infoturlatam.com/colombia-impulsa-el-astroturismo-con-convocatoria-nacional/
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