Bolívar, the department where Cartagena is located, was recognized on Tuesday, Feb. 22 by the Center for Tourism Thinking of Colombia (CPTUR) as one of the best tourist destinations in the country, placing first in the Caribbean in the Regional Tourism Competitiveness Index and third at the national level. 

The recognition of the department was delivered by President Iván Duque, to the director of the Institute of Culture and Tourism (ICULTUR), Iván Sanes, at the Casa de Nariño. 

"We bet on tourism, on our magical destinations, on 'Bolívar pa todo el mundo' and today we are seeing the results. We are happy and tourism will continue to be first in Bolívar," said Sanes in an official statement.

Bolívar has a unique tourist charm for all its visitors, as its different municipalities have a diversity of fauna, flora, gastronomy and music. 

The department is also home to one of Colombia's magical heritage towns, Mompox, also known as the 'Land of God,' which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995. The town is distinguished for its economic activities developed on the banks of the Magdalena River and for practicing gold and silver filigree gold-smithing. 

Another municipality that receives many tourists every year is San Jacinto, characterized by a large group of women that weave backpacks, hammocks and accessories using colorful threads. It is also home to one of the first sunflower fields planted to generate self-sustainable on the department's farms.

San Basilio de Palenque, a township that is part of the municipality of Mahates, is also known for being the first free town in America. In this place, its inhabitants preserve the African traditions of the colonial era when they managed to escape from the Spanish empire. 

The most touristic city of the department is Cartagena, which narrates the history of an entire country from the 1600s to the present through its walls, cobblestone streets and colorful houses.

For these beautiful places, and many others, the Center for Tourism Thinking of Colombia granted this recognition to Bolívar, taking into account its work and commitment to promote tourism development with high levels of competitiveness and sustainability.