This is the second time the country has participated as a guest in the annual event, the first being in 2014, according to the record established on the website of the Colombian entity.
SANTO DOMINGO.- With the signing of the agreement, the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, confirmed the participation of the Dominican Republic as the "guest country of honor" in the next edition of the ANATO Tourism Showcase, the most important tourism event in Colombia, which will take place from February 22 to 24 of next year.
“There is no doubt that the Dominican Republic will stand out for its diverse offerings at the Tourism Showcase. In addition to being one of the most marketed destinations by travel agencies, it has reported growth in its figures throughout this year, compared to pre-pandemic data,” highlighted Paula Cortés Calle, executive president of the Colombian entity.
She said she is confident that through its participation in the event, the Dominican Republic will achieve a high number of business contacts that will allow it to generate a more robust portfolio of products and services for agencies.
This is the second time the country has participated as a guest in the annual event, the first time being in 2014, according to the registration established on the website of the Colombian entity.
According to figures from Colombia's Migration Department, between January and April of this year, 23,927 people entered Colombia from the Dominican Republic, representing a 129% increase compared to the 10,403 who entered during the same period in 2019. It is worth noting that, during the first four months of this year, travelers from the Dominican Republic ranked eighth among foreign arrivals to Colombia for tourism, events, and business.
In turn, between January and April 2022, the flow of Colombians leaving the country was 62,151, which represents a growth of 118% compared to the 28,535 of the same period in 2019. In fact, in the first four months of 2022, the Dominican Republic positioned itself within the top 5 among the favorite destinations of Colombians for tourism, events and business.
“We are convinced that this will bring opportunities to strengthen binational ties, encourage the opening of new routes or the operation of more frequent flights between both destinations, and for travel agencies to form strategic alliances that will result in more options for tourists,” concluded the ANATO representative.
About ANATO
The Colombian Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (ANATO) is the organizer of the Tourism Showcase, an event that since 1982 has been consolidating itself as the most important tourism event in Colombia.
ANATO is a non-profit trade association that represents, defends, and promotes the general interests of tourism and travel agencies in Colombia. Founded on October 20, 1949, it comprises member agencies throughout the country with nine regional offices, solidifying the sector and the association as the most widely recognized national entity for its work.
One of the main objectives is to promote the work of travel agents in the country. The first edition was held in Popayán with the participation of 20 exhibiting companies, and year after year it has established itself as the most important event for sellers and buyers of tourism products and services.
Since the early 1990s, Bogotá has become the main venue, hosting a diverse group of professionals, including exhibitors and visitors, each year. It is currently held at the Bogotá International Business and Exhibition Center (CORFERIAS)
This year, 2022, the 41st edition took place and featured the participation of various countries, all departments of Colombia and companies in the sector, registering more than 27,000 entries in three days of business, highlighting the quality of the attending professionals.
