Under the title “Tourism Transformation, Aiming for the Future”, the Colombian Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (ANATO) will hold the 28th National Congress of Travel and Tourism Agencies in Cartagena on August 1 and 2. This academic event, considered the most important in the country in its sector, will bring together travel agents, mayors, airline operators, hotels, restaurants and official organizations, in order to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and address the current challenges of the tourism industry.
An event of training and growth
“This important meeting was presented in Colombia as an opportunity for travel industry players to enrich their capabilities and learn about a variety of tools to meet market needs and generate best practices in their companies,” said Paula Cortés Calle, executive president of ANATO. The importance of the congress lies in its focus on the transformation of the sector, which seeks to adapt to new trends and demands of tourism.
The event will see the participation of representatives of the national and local government, highlighting the presence of the Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism, Luis Carlos Reyes, who will be in charge of opening the congress. This type of government support highlights the importance of tourism in the Colombian economy and the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors.
High-end speakers
Among the speakers at the conference is Andrea Iorio, an expert in artificial intelligence and digital transformation, who will prepare leaders and travel agencies to adapt their business to the digital era. Iorio will address topics related to technology, behavioral sciences, philosophy and neuroscience, offering practical tools to address transformation.
Fernando Anzures, founder of EXMA Global, will present his speech entitled “Wow Factor – transforming the sector with emotion”, in which he will share innovative tourism marketing strategies that can make a difference in a highly competitive market.
Another important speaker is Borja Castelar, who will focus on the importance of soft skills and how these can generate profound transformations and changes in mentality in the professional field. Its focus on professional excellence will be key for participants looking to improve their skills.
Mauricio Cárdenas, Colombian economist and former Minister of Finance, will offer a perspective on the economic impact of political and social trends on tourism, a highly relevant topic in the current context. Luis Olmedo Martínez, director of the National Natural Parks, will also speak, who will discuss the conservation and management of parks, which are fundamental for ecotourism.
Furthermore, Juliana Martínez, an expert in emerging technologies, will present her vision on how these technologies are revolutionizing communication and marketing in the tourism sector. Finally, comedian Alejandra Azcárate will close the event with her “I'm Flying” talk, where she will encourage sales strategies through her experience in brand building.
Sponsors and collaborations
The congress has the support of major airlines such as Avianca, Latam Airlines, Copa Airlines and JetSMART, who act as sponsors of the event. The program includes an aviation panel to be held on August 1, allowing for an in-depth discussion on the role of aviation in tourism development.
In summary, the 28th National Congress of Travel and Tourism Agencies presents itself as an essential platform for learning and innovation in the Colombian tourism sector. With a focus on digital transformation and the exchange of best practices, this event promises to be a milestone on the path towards a more sustainable and dynamic future for tourism in Colombia.
