In the rural areas around the city of Barranquilla, agrobiodiversity and culinary heritage is often overlooked by visitors, who prefer to stick to the cultural attractions of the region’s main urban centre. Environmental sustainability is also a concern, with limited promotion of ecofriendly practices amongst food producers and a lack of concern about the preservation of local biodiversity.

To increase sustainable agricultural practices in the region, TUI Field Fork Colombia includes a mapping exercise of existing sustainable agri-food initiatives. A cycle of training and multidisciplinary support is also delivered to 160 food producers from local, rural communities on the topic of regenerative farming techniques.

The project also creates an experiential tourist ‘route’ to engage more people in rural tourism, with 75 high school graduates trained and employed as tourist guides. This tourism route connects attractions and localities around the department of Atlantico and is an important way of developing the destination and its attractions and activities around food travel.

500 domestic and international visitors will be able to join the pilot agrotourism experience, which focuses on learning about traditional practices with crops, river navigation, dragon fishing activities as well as preparing and enjoying local dishes. Alliances with 10 organisations in the tourism sector, with local and international travel tourism agencies, ensure that this product is developed to a high-quality and is properly marketed to customers.