There are a few different types of business tourism, including congresses, conventions, fairs and incentive trips. These have significant importance for businesses, especially as ways to motivate, reward and create fidelity among their employees.

Incentive trips have followed the common trend of leaving the typical sun and sand destinations, to look for new destinations that bring satisfaction and new experiences. Not only does Colombia’s capital city meet the standards to enter the market as a potential destination, but it also offers its visitors endless opportunities as it is located in a central region.

In the eyes of an incentive tourist, Bogotá and surroundings is an exotic destination that has not been explored yet. Furthermore, it is politically correct to travel to a formal city filled with history that also offers lots of options for entertainment. The city also offers the hotel and tourism infrastructure needed to become a destination to look up to.

But work still lies ahead. If we want Bogotá to be classified among this select group, we must prepare ourselves by offering visitors a perfect blend of professionalism and imagination. For this reason, one of the Bogotá Convention Bureau’s goals for 2012 is to work towards the development of plans and incentives, and to channel our offer in the best possible way.

This is a big challenge. We must ensure that what we promise as a destination becomes a reality, and that it meets the expectations of a group with continually rising demands. Our goal is for incentive travelers to feel special rather than feel like regular tourists. Why not go on a tour of the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá with a real miner as a guide, and later have dinner 180 meters below ground? Or how about a tour through the market with the chefs of Andrés Carne de Res to later cook and eat dinner in the restaurant before enjoying the evening rumba? What about a trip through the Bogotá Savanna while enjoying delicious almojábanas, hot chocolate and some of the region’s traditional desserts?

In a global world, shopping and nightlife are not unique offers anymore. Cities must stand out for their culture and traditions, areas where we have lots to offer.

I extend an invitation to the affiliates of the Bureau to participate in a redefining process of our cultural identity to find creative ways to offer unforgettable experiences to travelers. We must create striking products that meet corporate purposes and that are perfectly organized, coordinated and synchronized. Only with these, will we be successful.