El Puesto and Copacabana Join the Global Network of Emerging Destinations

In a landmark milestone for the tourism development of Catamarca Province, the towns of El Puesto and Copacabana have officially joined the prestigious Global Network of Emerging Destinations. The signing ceremony took place during sessions of the 12th International Tourism Leaders Forum, held at the Auditorium of the Museum of Flavour, in the presence of a large delegation of international journalists.

The official documents, signed on September 16, 2026, grant both towns the "Emerging Destination" designation. They formally commit to adopting sustainable development models, preserving historical heritage, and jointly promoting their cultural and natural attractions.

Boost from the World Travel Journalism Organization

The Global Network was founded on July 10, 2024, by the World Organization of Travel Journalism (OMPT), after thirteen years of continuous fieldwork across Latin America. The core goal of this initiative is to respond to requests from local residents and municipal governments seeking global exposure through strategic partnerships and mass media outreach.

“The inclusion of El Puesto and Copacabana puts Catamarca’s historic Adobe Route on the map among Latin America’s destinations with the strongest potential for sustainable development.”

With this recognition, Catamarca becomes part of an elite continental itinerary designed to empower communities with unique cultural identity amid the demands of modern tourism.

An expanding continental network

The addition of these two Tinogasta communities further strengthens the international footprint of the Global Network of Emerging Destinations:

• Argentina: El Puesto (new), Copacabana (new); Macedo, San Javier, Concepción de la Sierra and Valle Encantado (Misiones Province)

• Colombia: Tuluá, Popayán, Candelaria, Riofrío, Trujillo, Buga, Nariño and the Macondo Route of the Greater Colombian Caribbean

• Panama: Portobelo

• Brazil: Caxias do Sul

International media exposure

The signing was witnessed by more than twenty specialized journalists from Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Germany and Argentina. They are touring the province as part of Fampress 2026 (media press tour).

Local authorities stated that El Puesto and Copacabana’s admission into this international network offers an unparalleled platform to showcase Tinogasta’s adobe architecture, artisanal wine production and rich gastronomy to major global tourism markets.