Barranquilla is gearing up its tourism sector to welcome fans arriving on Nov 21 for the Copa Sudamericana final. Officials aim to showcase the Atlantic capital’s cultural, culinary and leisure highlights, while outlining travel options across the city.
The Tourism Office of the Economic Development Secretariat, together with Transmetro and Puerta de Oro, organized a workshop for tour operators, travel agencies and guides to link visitors with the city’s diverse experiences.
The tour kicked off at Caimán del Río, where participants sampled local dishes, learned how the spot ties into the Magdalena River scenery, and explored the bustling Gran Malecón, a new urban hotspot.
Next, the group boarded the BaqTour—Transmetro’s sightseeing bus—visiting sites such as the Museo a Cielo Abierto, La Aduana and Edgar Rentería Stadium. Guides also saw how agencies could weave the service into their itineraries.
María del Pilar Mayor, Transmetro manager, highlighted the system’s capacity to move event‑goers smoothly around Barranquilla.
“Following Mayor Alejandro Char’s vision, Transmetro offers its core and feeder routes to locals and visitors, linking neighborhoods and key attractions. The Ruta Chévere service targets tourists, while the two‑level BaqTour provides a fresh perspective on the city,” the official said.
Another showcase was Barranquilla’s official tourism portal, visit.barranquilla.gov.co, a digital hub for travelers planning their stay.
Through the site, both domestic and foreign tourists can browse top sights, hotels, restaurants, mobility options and a range of activities.
These initiatives aim to turn the Sudamericana final into more than a match—it’s a catalyst for the whole tourism chain. The influx of visitors could revitalize the sector and project the city’s cultural, gastronomic and leisure assets to a global audience. In my view, Barranquilla’s push will set a new benchmark for event tourism. Will the city’s new mobility options attract repeat visitors after the final?