colombia

Colombia has moved forward in the process of joining the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a group formed by 34 countries with transparent economic practices that contribute to global development.

In record time, hard work and two and a half years later, Colombia has become part of this elite group of countries with world recognition given their wholesome economic practices aimed at improving the quality of life of its citizens, an essential goal of the OECD.

Within the framework of the mega-event held by PROCOLOMBIA to commemorate the first year of the Free Trade Agreement with the United States, the organization introduced the new tourism campaign, "Colombia Is Magic Realism" to at least 180 travel agents and tour operators from the United States. 

The statements of Christopher Baker, writer of National Geographic's travel guide to Colombia, and Lisa Turner of Virtuoso Network, gave weight to the new campaign's launch.

The new strategy highlights unique experiences that tourists can enjoy in Colombian destinations, such as hiking on beaches in the midst of a parade of sea turtles, discovering a lost city, sailing with whales or visiting historic places immortalized in famous literary works.

The business conference that PROCOLOMBIA will hold for the 2013 Book Fair will allow Colombian Publishers to make the most of the trade opportunities identified in at least 17 markets, reported the president of PROCOLOMBIA, María Claudia Lacouture.

"There are buyers and literary agents that recognize Colombia as a new niche in the market with the potential to buy books and copyrights," assured María Lacouture, who also expressed that even though interest is focused on Latin America, there is also the possibility to export to Europe and the United States.

Prominent reports published by renowned media outlets from the United States, Canada and Australia, highlighted Colombia's tourist attractions and chose the country as one of the major must-see destinations for this year.

PROCOLOMBIA believes this is an important recognition for Colombia, as the leading global companies make decisions based on the information published by Gartner studies.

The completion of the FTA will open Colombia up to an additional 503 million consumers across 27 countries. Research shows that the consumption of a 'Euro consumer' is close to USD 32,000 - four times that of Colombia, so a significant new buying power.

With this agreement, Colombia is predicted to not only witness a rise in the exports of goods and services, but to attract more European investment and serve as a platform for other countries in the region without agreement with the Europeans.

The Pestana hotel chain from Portugal will open the new Pestana 100 Bogota in Colombia, a five star project that will be located in the northern part of the capital and marks the start of operations for the group in the country, reaffirming it as a destination for direct foreign investment.

Pestana, considered one of the top five in the hotel sector in Europe, will arrive in Colombia framed in its expansion strategy in Latin America and attracted by the advantages that the country offers for the arrival of foreign capital.

The multinational company, Capgemini, considered one of the largest IT companies worldwide, with presence in over 40 countries and more than 50 years of experience, will open in Bogotá a branch office to offer its service portfolio to local clients, and later on to other Latin American clients, using Colombia as its base of operations in the region.