The Colombian Project: A Regenerative Economy Through Community Tourism in the Mataven Jungle: Q2 2024 Progress Report Summary
Photo: The Colombian Project
Overall, we are approximately 50% through the process, with the following advancements across the four components:
1. Tourism Capacity Building:
Following our initial familiarization trip in April with 5 national tourism agencies, we identified areas for enhancement. A second trip in August will focus on:
Gastronomy: Renowned chef Carlos Cardenas will collaborate on local recipe-based culinary improvements, encompassing dish variety, menu design, new recipes, desserts, presentation, plating techniques, and best practices.
Birdwatching: Recognizing the substantial potential of birdwatching products, especially from Amazonian regions, we will partner with bird expert Cesar Arredondo of Biodiverso Travel. Cesar, who accompanied us in April, will train the community's birdwatching group to establish a birdwatching route.
Hospitality: A primary project goal involves constructing a 3-4-star jungle lodge. Currently, guests are accommodated in high-quality tented cabins and hammocks. Joining us in August is Juan Pablo Bueno, owner of La Manigua lodge in La Macarena, another Colombian Amazon region. His insights will enhance our destination's hospitality efforts.
Digital and Audiovisual Content Creation: In April, Meseta Films produced significant audiovisual content, including a promotional video. They will return to train the community communications team to create mobile-friendly content and effectively use social media for promotional activities.
Interpretive Content Strengthening: Addressing identified gaps in interpretive content, The Colombian Project and Amazonía Travel will collaborate on creating and reinforcing interpretive scripts for local guides and interpreters.
2. Marketing and Commercialization:
Familiarization Trips: April's familiarization trip with 5 national agencies successfully introduced the destination. Scheduled trips with clients from these agencies are in the planning stages.
Volunteer Tourism: With Amazonía Travel, a volunteer trip is scheduled for early September to strengthen various aspects further.
Promotional Efforts: A promotional video developed during this period will be released this month, alongside a substantial collection of audiovisual materials for widespread use across networks and other channels.
International Engagement: Secured participation in Colombia Nature Travel Mart and facilitated a familiarization trip with international agencies, a significant milestone in natural tourism.
Next Steps:
The upcoming main actions will focus on capacity strengthening during the August trip, as detailed earlier. Additionally, attention will turn to the other two components: infrastructure, with Juan Pablo Bueno's visit, primarily addressing:
Identification of requirements for completing the lodge construction.
Identification of minor infrastructure needs such as trails, docks, etc.
Exploration of partnerships and investments to finalize lodge construction.
The volunteer trip and collaboration with the Etnollano Foundation will initiate work on the environmental component.
Photo: The Colombian Project
Photo: The Colombian Project
