Candelaria marks a milestone at ANATO with a high-impact cultural activation and strengthens its international projection

The municipality of Candelaria stood out as one of the most notable participants in the recent edition of the Anato Tourism Showcase, where it presented a cultural activation with strong symbolic and visual impact that reinforced its positioning as a strategic destination in Valle del Cauca. The proposal integrated identity, tradition, and territorial promotion through a presentation that combined high-impact artisanal costumes, cultural performances, and artistic expressions linked to the productive and social heritage of the municipality. The intervention captured the attention of visitors, businesspeople, and national and international tour operators, projecting a contemporary and competitive image of the destination.

  One of the most vibrant moments was the salsa showcase that highlighted Juanchito as an emblematic reference for nightlife and cultural tourism in southwestern Colombia. The presentation emphasized its historical and territorial belonging to Candelaria, strengthening the recognition of the municipality as a cradle of musical tradition, cultural gatherings, and regional tourism dynamism. This territorial narrative helped consolidate a coherent identity story linking living heritage, creativity, and tourist experience.

The institutional agenda also played a key role in the destination’s positioning. The Secretary of Economic Development, Culture, and Tourism, Willian Cosme, supported promotional activities and held strategic meetings aimed at generating partnerships and investment opportunities to strengthen the local tourism sector. Meanwhile, the Tourism Coordinator, Lorena Murillas, led technical and promotional coordination, promoting visibility for the municipality’s cultural offerings and their integration into broader tourism circuits.    

Beyond its impact at the trade fair, Candelaria’s participation gains additional strategic relevance by being part of the World Network of Emerging Destinations, a platform that promotes territories with high potential for sustainable tourism development and innovation in travel experiences. This integration reinforces its global projection and commitment to culturally authentic and socially responsible tourism models.

With this presence, Candelaria not only participated in Anato but also consolidated a turning point in its tourism positioning, demonstrating a solid proposal based on identity, institutional coordination, and a forward-looking vision. Its performance confirms that the municipality is advancing steadily toward greater competitiveness in national and international tourism arenas.