Villa de Leyva will host the XI National Meeting of the Tourism Network of Heritage Towns
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, through Fontur, in coordination with the Government of Boyacá and the Mayor's Office of Villa de Leyva, is holding the 11th National Meeting of the Tourism Network of Heritage Towns of Colombia from this Wednesday until September 19, 2025.
The Heritage Village Tourism Network is a program that promotes sustainable development. Photo: Courtesy of Fontur.
The event will bring together national and local authorities, representatives of the tourism sector, communities, and experts to strengthen the responsible management of cultural tourism in the country.
The Colombian Heritage Town Tourism Network is a program of the Ministry of Tourism (MINCIT) that promotes sustainable development and protects the country's cultural heritage. It currently comprises 18 municipalities declared National Assets of Cultural Interest.
Aguadas, Barichara, Buga, Ciénaga, Jardín, Jericó, Monguí, Honda, Playa de Belén, Pore, Girón, Salamina, Guaduas, Lorica, Mompox, Santa Fe de Antioquia, El Socorro and Villa de Leyva concentrate a high historical and tourist value, being references of cultural identity, social inclusion and economic revitalization.
The XI National Meeting of the Tourism Network of Heritage Towns is projected as a space to consolidate common guidelines, strengthen governance and collaborative work , improve the quality of tourist attractions and services, boost competitiveness and promote economic opportunities for host communities.
The academic and cultural agenda is designed to generate a positive impact on both participating municipalities and visitors.
Aguadas is one of the 18 municipalities that make up the Heritage Town Tourism Network. Photo: Courtesy of Fontur.
During the opening day, the regulations for the Colombian Heritage Tourism Network are scheduled to be presented. These regulations will establish criteria for operation, growth, and inter-institutional coordination.
Likewise, the launch of new Colombian Technical Standards for the management of cultural tourism will be announced. These standards are aimed at improving the quality of the services and experiences offered, ensuring standards that allow municipalities to be more competitive nationally and internationally.
Participation is expected from authorities from the 18 heritage towns, national and regional entities, tourism service providers, cultural agents, communities linked to tourism, industry professionals, and academia. The diversity of backgrounds and profiles will enrich the exchange of knowledge and strengthen the collective development of solutions for Colombian cultural tourism.
In addition to the academic sessions, the meeting will feature cultural and culinary activities that will showcase the wealth of the host countries.
Villa de Leyva will be the epicenter of a showcase of traditional crafts, artistic expressions, and a special tour of its historic center, reaffirming its role as a benchmark for cultural tourism. Additionally, there will be an astronomical observation day highlighting this municipality as a Starlight Destination, integrating cultural and natural heritage into a unique experience.
During the event, there will be an astronomical observation day. Photo: Alexandre Patrier
The event will also contribute to the consolidation of sustainable, competitive, and inclusive cultural tourism.
This event will be a key platform for the regions to exchange experiences, strengthen capacities, and work together to build authentic, responsible, and sustainable tourism that benefits local communities and positions Colombia as a destination of excellence.
ANGIE RODRÍGUEZ - TRAVEL EDITORIAL - @ANGS0614
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