On the evening of November 27, the Morasurco Hotel in Pasto, Nariño, Colombia, hosted a historic press conference for tourism and journalism in the region. In front of more than fifty local and international journalists, the Administrative Directorate of Tourism of Nariño, representatives from Morada Sur and Ayllú, along with the World Travel Journalism Organization (WTJO), officially announced that Nariño will host two major international events in September 2025, as part of World Travel Journalism Day: the 10th edition of the Open Pasaport Award and the 14th International Congress of Travel Journalism.
A Commitment to Tourism and Communication
These events reflect recognition of Nariño’s tourism potential and its growing importance as a cultural, natural, and strategic destination in Latin America. During the conference, authorities highlighted the region’s richness, cultural diversity, and unique landscapes, such as the Sanctuary of Las Lajas and La Cocha Lagoon, making it an ideal location to gather tourism and journalism professionals from around the world.
“Nariño is ready to welcome travel journalists, academics, and communication experts from more than 30 countries. This is a key step in positioning ourselves as an international reference for sustainable tourism and strategic communication,” said Claudia Erazo Cazabo, Director of the Administrative Directorate of Tourism.
About the Open Passport Award
Organized by the WTJO, the Open Passport Award celebrates excellence in tourism communication, recognizing professionals, media outlets, and projects that promote responsible, inclusive, and sustainable tourism. This will mark the 10th edition of the award, which has become one of the most prestigious in its field.
Miguel Ledhesma, President of the WTJO, emphasized the award’s significance during the press conference: “Open Passport not only acknowledges talent and creativity in tourism communication but also highlights the commitment to human development and the promotion of authentic destinations like Nariño.”
The 14th International Congress of Travel Journalism
The International Congress of Travel Journalism serves as a platform to encourage the exchange of knowledge and experiences among journalists, entrepreneurs, and key players in the tourism sector.
The event will include workshops, keynote lectures, and thematic tours, allowing attendees to experience the wonders of Nariño firsthand.
Background and Vision for the Future
The selection of Nariño as the host for these international events is the result of a joint effort between local institutions and the World Travel Journalism Organization (WTJO) to promote tourism as a driver of economic and cultural development. This strategic alliance aims to attract international visitors, boost the local economy, and establish the region as an example of sustainable tourism in Colombia.
Additionally, the organizers announced that both events will feature activities open to the public, interactive workshops, cultural exhibitions, and spaces for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services.
“Nariño will be the epicenter of an international celebration of tourism and communication. We are excited to show the world everything our region has to offer,” concluded Elisabeth Mora Ascuntar, representative of Ayllú, and Norma Reina López, representative of Ayllú Morada Sur.
The press conference ended with a message of gratitude to all attendees and a call for journalists and opinion leaders to continue highlighting the efforts of destinations like Nariño to stand out on the global tourism stage.
