WITH MORE THAN 5 THOUSAND VISITS, ALLIANCES AND RECOGNITIONS, SAN ANDRES CLOSED ITS PARTICIPATION IN ANATO 2019

· The Department returned to the showcase with the conviction of guaranteeing a sustainable tourism for the Archipelago, fact that left high expectations among the attendees.

· With the participation of more than 40 countries, the 38^thedition of the Anato Tourist Showcase, held in Corferias, closed with an approximate figure of 5.500 business appointments, as well as a 6 percent growth in professional visitors of the industry.

With agreements managed with companies and international destinations, more than 5 thousand visits and recognition by Fontur and the Vice Ministry of Tourism as the Best PIT Destination, San Andres closed its participation in Anato 2019.     

The Department returned to the showcase with the conviction of guaranteeing a sustainable tourism for the Archipelago, fact that left high expectations among those who attended. This was stated by Yadira Olivo Florez, Secretary of Tourism.

"The balance of this Anato Fair, where the Department was present, through the Local Government stand, was positive. We can say that we surpassed the 5 thousand people that visited the stand. Native Lodges reported more than 500 people. So, I believe the objectives were met; people are very happy and satisfied. Now comes the issue of loyalty and crystallize all those contacts that were made," said the secretary.

Regarding the activities during the three days of the fair, the Secretary of Tourism, Yadira Olivo Florez, affirmed that the objective was achieved, as the destination becomes increasingly visible and important commercial agreements with international destinations were managed.

"We have promoted the destination in the most sustainable way possible. The energy is very beautiful; the articulation with private companies was evident. So, I think the balance refers to a very important achievement for our islands and I am very happy to share this with you. We have already started preparing for Anato 2020," said Olivo Florez.

Samples of gastronomy, dances, music, culture, and traditions were on display. In addition, the different places to visit, attractions and natural spaces were presented to the exhibitors and potential customers, who found in the destination, a different tourism capable of being sustainable.

More than 22 thousand professionals of the sector managed their income to participate in the 38^thedition of Anato Tourist Showcase 38. The idea is to continue linking the Archipelago in the different activities that are carried out nationally and internationally, to certify the destination as one of the places that offers quality tourism.

Paula Cortes Calle, president of Anato, reported that this year the visits increased by 10 percent, that is, more than 38 thousand people visited the Corferias fairgrounds. Also, she announced that an approximate of 5 thousand 500 business appointments was achieved, that is, an increase of 6 percent. In addition, it is estimated that around 200 thousand professional contacts were made.

"We have a task: to package and sell those tourist destinations to those hyperconnected traveler, who wants to be informed day by day and accompanied permanently, that is what the agencies have been doing," said Cortes Calle.

With the participation of more than 40 countries, the 38^thedition of the Anato Tourist Showcase, held in Corferias, closed with an approximate number of 5.500 business appointments, as well as a 6 percent growth in professional visitors of the industry.

Finally, the president of Anato stressed that the showcase will continue to grow in the same way that the country does, which is why it highlighted the importance of investment and support for local work.