The World Travel Awards (WTA), better known as the Oscar Awards of the tourism industry, are awarded in 21 categories according to the recommendations and votes of travelers and tourists.
Bogotá will have to face cities like Los Angeles, Mexico City, Madrid and Paris, among others; Those who seek to be recognized as the maximum reference in the organization of congresses and conventions among entrepreneurs around the world.
The nomination of the Colombian capital as a business destination is a recognition of the consolidation of corporate tourism in the city, since in recent years it has become an important place in business tourism in the region thanks to conventions and business events and commercial, among others. In fact, according to figures from the Chamber of Commerce of Bogotá and the Convention Bureau, "the capital hosts 40% of the events that take place in the country, activating approximately 11 sectors of the production chain."
According to Juan Gabriel Pérez, executive director of Invest in Bogota, the “36 direct connections to the main cities of the world, 17 thousand rooms in four and five star hotels and more than 170 options for events and conventions”, make Bogotá a hub for corporate events. Another aspect that attracts the attention of companies interested in business tourism is the wide cultural and gastronomic offer of Bogotá, which has contributed to the growth of tourism in the city.
Bogotá and business tourism in numbers
- 52% of tourists entering the country have Bogotá as their final destination.
- Bogotá remains in the group of 10 cities in Latin America that are more attractive for doing business. According to "America Economy Intelligence" Bogotá occupies the eighth place.
- It is the main economic, financial and corporate center of Colombia with about 290,000 companies, including 250,000 in Bogotá and 40,000 in Cundinamarca.
- 80% of foreigners come to the city to participate in congresses and conventions.
- It is one of the most important historical centers in South America with 70 museums, 132 national monuments and 29 colonial churches.
- El Dorado is the first airport in cargo movement in Latin America and one of the air terminals with the largest connecting flights in the region.
- Bogotá has the highest hotel occupancy rate and the most important business platform for tourism.
- It is the third most important city in terms of providing services for companies, and the fourth in infrastructure, connectivity and executive assistance.
The strategic location of the city, together with investments in the infrastructure for events and the evolution in the cultural and entertainment offer, have made Bogotá one of the most important destinations for the business destination and, therefore, a of the most visited cities in the country.