Santa Marta: A Sustainable Meeting Destination Rooted in Wellness and Nature

Magazine:
HQ Global
12th Sep, 2024
Category:
Destination - Americas
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Teyuna - The Lost City or Ciudad Perdida

Santa Marta, located on the northern coast of Colombia, is an exciting destination for meetings and events, nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta – one of the highest coastal mountain ranges in the world. With its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage and expanding infrastructure, Santa Marta offers a distinctive blend of business and bleisure opportunities that sets it apart from established destinations.
Santa Marta has long been a hidden gem, but its appeal as a sustainable MICE destination is gaining traction. At FIEXPO 2024 in Panama City, HQ spoke with Sara Illidge, Santa Marta Convention Bureau Director and Manager of the Tourism Cluster, to learn how this coastal city is positioning itself as a standout MICE destination. “Santa Marta has emerged as a sought-after destination for meetings and conventions. With top-notch hotels and event facilities, it can accommodate groups of any size,” Sara explained. “Whether you’re seeking luxury resorts or boutique accommodations, the city offers a variety of options to suit your needs.”
 
Sara IllidgeSara’s enthusiasm for her city is rooted in its unique natural beauty and cultural significance. Santa Marta, after all, is the first Spanish settlement in Colombia and the final resting place of Simón Bolívar, the country’s renowned liberator. But beyond its historical significance, what truly differentiates Santa Marta is its surrounding environment. “Santa Marta boasts a diverse agriculture, fishing, and tourism economy. Its seaport serves as a vital gateway for regional commerce. The city is also surrounded by two national parks – the Tayrona National Natural Park and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta – as well as a vast coastal lagoon, the Ciénaga Grande, that mirrors the sky and shelters stilt villages,” Sara shared, underlining the city’s extraordinary natural assets.
 
These natural surroundings are key to understanding why Santa Marta is attracting the attention of international associations. “Event attendees find the perfect balance of productivity and well-being. Surrounded by two national parks, the city invites you to immerse yourself in nature and experience our ancestral communities’ richness, wisdom, and respect for the Earth. Our commitment to sustainability sets us apart, making us a destination that responds to the demands of a more conscious world,” Sara noted. The city’s emphasis on nature, wellness, and mental health has become the cornerstone of its strategy to attract conferences and events, including the 1st Latin American and Caribbean Summit of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, the 1st and 2nd International Meeting on Community-Based and Sustainable Tourism, the Colombian National Psychology Congress, the International Congress on Contributions to the Redefinition of Human Well-being, and the 7th International Congress on Integral Health. These events have further positioned Santa Marta as a destination focused on well-being and preserving its natural heritage.
 
One of the key advantages of Santa Marta as a meeting destination is its perfect balance of business and leisure – commonly referred to as ‘bleisure’. With pre- and post-event activities seamlessly woven into the agenda, delegates are encouraged to extend their stay and explore the region’s natural beauty and cultural history. Whether it’s relaxing on one of Tayrona National Park’s 30 pristine beaches or hiking through the lush Sierra Nevada mountains, the city provides countless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
 
For those seeking a more immersive experience, Santa Marta offers a range of activities that integrate wellness with nature. Delegates can spend their downtime tubing down the Don Diego River, where the jungle views provide a soothing counterbalance to the workday, taking a birdwatching tour or enjoying a full-day wellness retreat at the Mamancana Reserve, which includes massages and nature walks. “Our strategy is based on continuous service improvement, exceptional customer service and promoting experiences that connect people with nature, always with a focus on sustainability,” emphasises Sara.
 
Santa Marta’s rich indigenous heritage is also important in the delegate experience. The Wiwa, Kogui and Arhuaco communities living in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta have preserved their ancestral traditions for centuries. Visitors can witness their deep respect for nature and spirituality through carefully organised tours to Katanzama, Bunkuany, Gotsezhy, Teykú and Maleyi. These specialised tours, available on tumap.travel or through authorised travel agents, facilitate respectful interaction with these ancestral groups and bring participants into close contact with Indigenous life, illustrating how Santa Marta offers a deeper, more meaningful connection to the land than most business destinations.
 
In Minca – just 30 minutes from the city – offers a soothing retreat for those seeking pure relaxation, the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta offers guided meditative walks through serene landscapes. These options, combined with Santa Marta's growing wellness sector, allow delegates to relax in a way that is both rejuvenating and culturally enriching.
 
The destination’s infrastructure is also developing to support its status as a key MICE destination. With venues such as the Santa Marta Convention Centre for more than 1,200 people, the city can host large-scale international events, from conferences to exhibitions. In addition, luxury hotels and boutique accommodations are available to suit all tastes, ensuring delegates experience comfort and convenience. International chains such as the Hilton Santa Marta, boasting 261 rooms and 8 event halls, and the Marriott Playa Dormida with its 168 rooms and 4 event halls, demonstrate the city's readiness to host significant events. Joining the ranks is Mercure, the French brand, contributing with 140 rooms and 6 event halls. To complement the stay, travel agencies like Magic Tour and Baquianos offer comprehensive services, while Bridal Agency specialises in weddings and Sinergia Logística provides event setup. “Santa Marta has something to offer whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or business traveller. Discover the enchanting charm of this Colombian coastal gem,” concludes Sara.
 
Direct flights from Panama and major Colombian cities make Santa Marta increasingly accessible to international audiences. The combination of efficient transportation, modern amenities and proximity to breathtaking natural wonders makes it an attractive destination for event organisers looking for something unique. More than just a meeting destination, Santa Marta is a place where business, nature and culture coexist harmoniously, offering delegates the chance to experience productivity and rejuvenation in a single trip.
 
Comunidades indígenas
Tags:
MICE
Promotion Campaign
Latin America
Destination Marketing

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