The shoreside experience, organized by tour operator Colombia 57, offered passengers the chance to immerse themselves in one of Colombia's hidden jewels.
Brendan Rayment, commercial director of Colombia 57, highlighted the collaboration with local authorities and ProColombia, the country's promotion agency, to create a unique tour, including a cultural immersion in a ranchería (small rural settlement with the the traditional constructions of the Wayuu indigenous community) and an interactive activity with local students teaching Wayuunaki words.
Responsible, regenerative tourism
'In the government of President Gustavo Petro Urrego, we work for responsible, regenerative and sustainable tourism in our territories. And the department of La Guajira is precisely a region with high potential for this activity, since it has landscapes that confirm why Colombia is "The Country of Beauty,"' Tourism Minister Germán Umaña Mendoza said.
He added that cruising generates new opportunities for residents, local businesses and international travelers.
Cultural immersion in a ranchería for the Emerald Azzurra visitors
Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia, the country's promotion agency, expressed pride in this historic moment, calling La Guajira a paradisiacal destination with rich cultural heritage and a lush natural environment.
'Committed to the mandate of the national government and President Gustavo Petro to boost tourism in a broader and improved way in various regions of the country, we want international travelers to think of Colombia as a trendy and unique destination with meaningful experiences that will leave them touched forever.'
Emerald Cruises' Claudius Docekal, VP ocean implementation, expressed excitement about becoming the first boutique cruise line to visit Cabo de la Vela.
Emerald Azzurra arrived carrying approximately 40 passengers on a cruise from Barbados that also called at Colombia's Santa Marta and Cartagena before ending the trip in Panama.
Colombia's cruise growth
Colombia's cruise calls grew 151% and passenger count 346% from the 2021/22 to 2022/23 seasons. Projections for the 2023/24 season indicate further growth, with an estimated 214 visits from at least 30 cruise lines carrying approximately 329,226 passengers.
The economic impact is estimated to reach close to US$50m for the 2023/24 season.
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