In Times of Uncertainty, Trust Can Also Be Built: OMPT Launches a Seal for Recommended Travel Agencies

We live in an era where booking a trip can be as exciting as it is risky. Social media is flooded with tempting offers, web pages promising one-of-a-kind experiences, and profiles that appear to belong to travel agencies. Yet some of them turn out to be scams or fail to deliver on their promises, hurting travellers’ wallets and shattering their travel dreams.

Digital transformation has made tourism sales easier, but it has also raised the demand for trustworthy references. Now more than ever, trust has become a key differentiating asset.

Against this backdrop, the World Organization of Tourism Journalism (Organización Mundial de Periodismo Turístico, OMPT) is developing a new recognition programme. It aims to highlight businesses that comply with current regulations and have maintained long-term commitments to service quality, professional ethics and respect for travellers.

This is not a ranking system, nor does it claim some agencies are superior to others. Instead, it provides travellers with references built on hands-on experience, proven track records and trust accumulated over time.

As the first step, OMPT shares a selection of Colombian agencies that its members have collaborated with through work projects, journalistic coverage or institutional partnerships. These agencies have demonstrated professionalism in delivering tourism services.

Buga

Guía Tours

Contact: Cristhian Arias

WhatsApp: +57 318 746 4467

Cali

Destino Cafetero

Contact: Juan Guillermo Zuluaga

WhatsApp: +57 313 759 1205

Cali

Somos Caminantes

Contact: Juliana Ramírez

WhatsApp: +57 318 475 8477

Cali

Walking Time Tours (Inbound Tourism)

Contact: Yeison Ascuntar

WhatsApp: +57 311 798 4136

Cartagena

Experiencias Nativas

Contact: Rafael Ortiz

WhatsApp: +57 323 462 3138

Medellín

Turismo en Medellín

Contact: Mariana Hernández

WhatsApp: +57 310 459 4044

Pasto

Camino del Viento

Contact: Elisabeth Mora

WhatsApp: +57 315 264 1275

Popayán

Destinos Tours, Viajes y Ecoturismo (Inbound Tourism)

Contact: Elkin Díaz

WhatsApp: +57 321 636 8800

Roldanillo

CAES Logística Latina

Contact: Cristhian Espinosa

WhatsApp: +57 315 365 7335

Zona Cafetera

Quindío Viajes

Contact: Diana Holguín

WhatsApp: +57 320 618 8081

OMPT reminds travellers that when purchasing tourism services, always verify each company’s legal credentials, request payment receipts and keep all relevant documents. It also advises caution for unusually cheap offers, requests for transfers to personal bank accounts without corporate backing, and proposals without formal contracts or clear terms.

Trust is one of tourism’s most valuable assets. Safeguarding it is a shared responsibility among service providers, travellers and institutions.

If one encounter any issues with these agencies, he may send an email to miguelledhesma@gmail.com