With an ambitious plan exceeding 900 billion pesos, the department aims to boost its economic recovery with the help of tourists by building and/or improving megaprojects near Barranquilla.
Offering unique, distinctive, and appealing experiences to local, national, and international travelers, Atlántico has a few megaprojects up its sleeve to boost tourism. Elsa Noguera, the governor of Atlántico, assures that this territory offers great opportunities due to its geographical position. “We have several mega-projects underway to make Atlántico the new must-stop destination between Cartagena and Santa Marta. With a diverse range of water sports, sun and beach, ecotourism, and gastronomy, among other attractions, we are already seeing the first fruits of the investments we have dedicated to tourism,” she added.
Malecón del Mar
The municipality of Puerto Colombia, known for its historical richness as the gateway for over 4,000 immigrants who arrived in the country, is located just 30 minutes from Barranquilla. “We are working on strengthening tourism through the memory, culture, and art of the municipality. Just as Barranquilla has invested in the Magdalena River through the Malecón del Rio, in Puerto Colombia, we wanted to give all the prominence to the sea,” explained Hortensia Sánchez, president of the Puerto Colombia Foundation. That is why the Malecón del Mar project, which received an investment of 180 billion pesos, aimed at the recovery of the pier in Puerto Colombia and the main square. Additionally, 23 billion pesos were allocated to the International Gastronomic Center, and 19 billion pesos were invested in the Atlántico Sazón Market, which seeks to highlight the history of the department. Miramar Beach is also undergoing renovations.
Centro de Deportes Naúticos
(Nautical Sports Center)
Atlántico has invested over 17 billion pesos in the construction of the largest Nautical Sports Center in Latin America.
Due to its strategic location, the beaches of Salinas del Rey, in the municipality of Juan de Acosta, are an exceptional area in Colombia and Latin America for the practice of water sports. That is why Atlántico invested over 17 billion pesos in the construction of the largest Nautical Sports Center in Latin America. The center covers an area of over 2,000 square meters, which is expected to generate 16 million dollars per year. This infrastructure has increased public space in the area, and has activated the real estate sector and private investment. “Our nautical sports center attracts European and American visitors interested in kite surfing, with an average stay of 10 days. With the water sports center, we aim to extend their stay to more than 30 days,” explained Noguera. Salinas del Rey has been the second stop of the Kitesurfing World Tour for the years 2022 and 2023.
Caribe Aventura Water Park
The new Caribe Aventura Water Park, located between Cartagena and Barranquilla on the Vía al Mar highway at Kilómetro 51 in Piojó – Atlántico, will be opening its doors on July 29, 2023. It will be the first and largest water park in this region of Colombia. The park aims to provide joy and wholesome entertainment to local, national, and international visitors. It covers an area of 50 hectares, with 34 hectares still under development. The park features replicas of iconic sites such as the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Totumo Volcano, as well as attractions like Coco Splash and a wave pool inspired by Cabo San Juan in Tayrona Park. The park can accept up to 7,000 visitors per day. This is one of the most highly anticipated megaprojects near Barranquilla that residents and visitors alike are looking forward to opening.
For more information on purchasing day passes, visit the Caribe Aventura webpage.
The Transformation of Usiacurí
The municipality of Usiacurí witnessed the convergence of art and nature through the creation of the largest mural on rooftops in Colombia, covering an expansive 15,000 square meters and adorning the rooftops of 1,000 houses in the urban area. This impressive artwork beautifully displays the rich diversity of birds found in Luriza, the municipality’s Nature Reserve. The project required an investment of 2.267 billion pesos, with the Government contributing a substantial 70 percent of the funding.
Usiacurí’s tourism promotion strategy engaged the community and its skilled artisans. Ingris Reales, a local artisan and tour guide, elaborated on this approach, highlighting the significance of the Corina Urueta Artisanal Development Center as a prime attraction for visitors. This center stands as the heart of the municipality’s culture and tradition.
Situated close to Barranquilla, this ambitious project nears completion and is about a one hour’s drive away.