How to Set Up a Sustainable Tourism Business in a Developing Country
Formed just about two years ago, Out in Colombia Travel is a unique, socially
responsible LGBT inbound travel and tourism agency committed to making Colombia the top
gay travel and sustainable tourism destination worldwide. We believe that travel can open hearts
and minds and heal our planet, which is why we create life-changing and memorable tourism
experiences for gay travelers that promote cross-cultural exchanges, improve quality-of-life, and
preserve Colombia’s awesome bio-diversity.
Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. It is made up of rich and
diverse cultures and a population made up of different backgrounds. Each of Colombia’s five
geographic regions has their own unique flavors, traditions, challenges, and needs. Yet, as a
developing country, it is not without its problems. And as international tourism is on the rise, the
country faces new challenges.
Tourism, when done correctly, can be a powerful tool for sustainable development,
injecting much needed resources into communities while preserving local cultures and protecting
the local environment. Some efforts are being made to promote sustainable tourism in Colombia,
but the concept has not been broadly implemented in Colombia. As a result, we’ve already seen
the damage that unchecked tourism has had. In recent years, the government has shut down
travel by boat to certain remote beaches and islands because the volume has damaged the local
marine ecosystem. We have also seen neighborhoods that were once celebrated as innovative
models for sustainable community infrastructure turn into tourist zones, dislocating the very
community members that the infrastructure projects were meant to serve.
Colombia is in a unique position to set up a sustainable tourism infrastructure before
mass tourism can cause lasting damage. But to protect the pristine natural environment,

Samuel T. Holdren

March 24, 2019

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beautifully-rich cultures, and the local economy from the havoc that we have seen mass tourism
wreck in places like Cuba and elsewhere in the world, sustainable tourism must become the
norm.
That is why Out in Colombia Travel had made a commitment to build tourism packages
that promote sustainable tourism, using a supplier network that shares that commitment. As our
profile as a leader in the industry grows, our influence over our supplier network is increasing as
well. Together, we will develop innovative tourism products and practices that:
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Minimize the environmental impact of tours through eco-friendly practices

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Inject income into local economies by hiring local tour guides, among other
things

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Foster a respect for local cultures through authentic intercultural exchanges

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Effect long-term change through tours that educate tourists on sustainability

We have already created an initial list of suppliers who are part of our network. And we
have already developed marketable tour packages that emulate the spirit of sustainability.
Through our alliances with entities like ProColombia (a government enterprise charged with
promoting international investments & tourism), we will continue to grow that network and
become even more sustainable.

Samuel T. Holdren

March 24, 2019

2