Candelaria became the epicenter of digital solidarity with the successful 6 ° Foro Internacional de Periodistas y Líderes del Turismo

With strong international participation and an agenda full of reflections, launches, and commitments, the 6  ° Foro Internacional de Periodistas y Líderes del Turismo was successfully held in celebration of the Día Mundial de la Solidaridad Digital. The event took place at the School of Music in Candelaria, Valle del Cauca, with virtual connections from various countries.

This hybrid event brought together journalists, academics, government officials, tourism leaders, and content creators from across Ibero-America to reflect on digital inclusion, the transformative role of travel journalism, and the need for a digital citizenship rooted in solidarity and empathy.

An inspiring day from Valle del Cauca

The official opening featured the national anthem of Colombia and the anthem of Candelaria, followed by welcome speeches from Mayor Gessica Vallejo, the Secretary of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism William Cosme, and the President of the Municipal Council Jhon Edwin Andrade Salcedo.

Next, WTJO Director General Kevin Casanova and Morada al Sur President Norma Reina opened the forum by presenting the 10th edition of the Open Passport Award and announcing the upcoming International Congress of Journalists and Tourism Professionals, to be held in Nariño.

The event also included a virtual inauguration from Mexico and the official launch of the book "Solidaridad Digital" (2025) and the #SigueConTuVida campaign, led by Miguel Ledhesma, founding president of the World Travel Journalism Organization (WTJO) and creator of the Día de la Solidaridad Digital.

Voices building digital bridges

Among the featured presentations, key topics included:

•Periodismo y creadores de contenido, por Katerina Mandrygina (Rusia/México)

•La importancia de la solidaridad digital, por Ramón Chávez (República Dominicana)

•Viajar con empatía, por Míriam Martínez Posada (España)

•Turismo e inteligencia artificial, por Andrés Álvarez Cortez (Chile)

•Experiencias digitales y vínculos interculturales, por Irina Grassmann (Alemania-Argentina)

•Solidaridad dentro de la OMPT, por Izela Noriega (Panamá)

•Comunicacion para el desarrollo local ,por  Alejandra Delgado (Colombia)

Also highlighted were presentations on tourism planning, inclusion, and public-private partnerships, with speakers such as Luis Eduardo Bravo, Carlos Martínez, and Norma Reina sharing insights from public and community-based management perspectives.

Closing with commitment and culture

The day concluded with the reading of the list of nominees for the 2025 Open Passport Award, followed by a virtual closing ceremony led by Yenny Polanco Lovera (Adompretur,  Republica Dominicana), and a heartfelt cultural closing event.

With an integrative vision, the Forum established itself as a platform for action and dialogue where digital solidarity was more than a slogan—it was a shared practice across regions, knowledge systems, and generations.