bogotá - Empresario
Transcription
bogotá - Empresario
BOGOTÁ Contents Introduction 5 Bogotá, Gateway to Colombia 9 Bogotá Convention Bureau 10 Bogotá, a destination for congresses and events 11 Bogotá, a destination for tourists 31 Colombia, a destination to be discovered 41 Convention Centers and non-traditional venues 49 Hotels 63 Prime Cathedral San Francisco Historic Church and Avianca building Internacional Center 3 Introduction S askia Sassen’s «The Global City», 1991, prophesied that the most successful cities of the 21st-century would be those that have the capacity to influence world affairs be- yond their own economic, social, cultural and political power. She is a Dutch sociologist and specialist in urban planning from Columbia University, and currently a Guest Lecturer at the London School of Economics. She believes that there are just eight key factors for that success: its name must be familiar on the international scene; it must be a regular place for events of artistic and cultural importance, it must be the center of a great conurbation, with a sufficiently large metropolitan population, with an airport which acts as an international and local hub; it must be cosmopolitan - it must have a cultural environment of its own, generated by film festivals, musical events, art galleries, and so on; and finally, it must be the home of a wide range of international concerns which make it a major business city. If indeed the secret of success of cities lies in these eight factors, in this changing, challenging, globalized world of the 21st century, in a society of knowledge and technology, then Bogotá is on the right track to occupy a privileged place in a virtuous circle of cities that have confirmed their positions as new poles of social, economic cultural and political development. The World Bank’s recent survey of the most attractive cities for doing business, ranks Bogotá as number 37 in 2010. Only two years ago, the city ranked only No. 83. This survey, reflects the effort that Bogotá has made to cut red tape and other obstacles, and so, encourage foreign direct investment. The fact is that we have gone about this task with great care. Procedures are shortereven in local building permits: taxpayers can make electronic payments, and we continue to work on improvements from there on up. The World Bank survey classifies Bogotá as the most attractive city for investment anywhere in Latin America. Investor confidence is on the increase, and indeed, Bogotá is now one of the most attractive capitals in the world to do business. Perhaps I should explain why: Bogotá and the region around it generate almost a third of Colombia’s GDP and its economy is greater than Ecuador and Uruguay. Facing page. View of the International Centre, the Church of San Diego in the foreground. Bogotá stretches out over the savannah from the high hills to the east. 5 Bogotá, a city of contrasts, where colonial houses in the historic center stand side by side with modern infrastructure Facing page. Palacio Lievano, Bogotá’s City Hall on the west side of the Bolivar Square. The importance of Bogotá can be summarized in some figures which show how cosmopolitan it is and its importance as an economic and cultural capital. There are 860 multinationals home based in the city;, last year only USD1, 200 millions flowed in. 690,000 visitors made it the most important tourist destination for foreigners visiting Colombia; hotel occupancy is 67%; the most recent version of the Ibero-American theatre festival attracted 3 million spectators and artists from more than 45 countries; 80% of Colombia’s research is conducted in Bogotá. There are over 200 miles of permanent bikeways, and another 70 miles of thoroughfares used as “bike-streets” for cyclists at weekends. There are 114 higher education institutions, which take in 450,000 students every year. We have set up an agenda for 24 major issues to be resolved together in order to La Candelaria Neighborhood create the first major city-region in Colombia. Among these issues are: the cleaning up of the Bogotá River, water supplies, the creation of satellite cities, and the promotion of production and export´s culture. I firmly believe that our city faces the world with a global and modern mission and solidarity, determined to be able to place the benefits of economic development at the service of all. The future begins here. Samuel Moreno-Rojas Mayor of Bogotá Calle 63 by Av. 68 Parkway TransMilenio - Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system 6 Museo de Arte Colonial Bogotá, Gateway to Colombia E very city has a tourist authority. Its job is to ensure that tourism is a factor in local economic development. It works to generate an innovative portfolio of tourist products addressed to fulfill expectations, capitalizing on the city’s offer of attractions. It must bring an even larger numbers of tourists, and establish the city as a competitive destination, that is, one which satisfies tourists, businessmen and investors. The authority in Bogotá is Instituto Distrital de Turismo (IDT), responsible for promoting the economic development of the city through tourism, and for securing the best conditions of competitiveness and sustainability. IDT also works on building up relations between the public and private sectors, for joint actions which will have an impact on the city, strengthen tourism service providers, bring forward tourist products, encourage local tourism management and arrange trainSculpture by Fernando Botero, El Renacimiento Park ing events. This has led to a substantial increase in the number of tourists, the positioning of hotel projects, and many other successes. Further, IDT has drawn up Bogotá’s tourism policy, a plan for tourism marketing, and a plan for the transformation of the city into a sustainable tourist destination. The destination T he population of Bogotá is about 8 million, with the largest share of Colombia’s GDP, and one of its leading centers of tourism. Major international hotel chains are there, alongside others that addressed the specialized market for business visitors. It is a truly national city. It has the largest number of museums - almost 70, including, of course, the Gold Museum. Bogotá is home to over a hundred different nationalities, and the offer of good food has made it a destination with the greatest number of restaurants in the coun- Avenida Chile financial center try, many of them specializing in international cuisine. Other special features of Bogotá include offers of health – clinics, spas and beauty treatments. For shopping, it offers the largest number of malls with all the best known luxury brands: Bulgari, Loewe, Louis Vuitton are just some of them. A large number of businesses have set themselves up in Bogotá, and this has attracted a generation of families with children and teenagers, who are a driving force in “the cosmopolitan, dynamic and youthful” face of the city. This can be seen in the intensive social life at the “Zona Rosa”, and “Parque de la 93 “. Bogotá is framed by the majestic hills along its eastern side, and the meadowlands which stretch out to the west to a large number of places of interest such as the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, which is part of Colombia’s national, cultural and religious heritage. We invite you to discover our culture, and to come to Bogotá, the gateway to Colombia. The Capitol Nohora Isabel Vargas-Castro Director, IDT 9 A strategic ally for events in Bogotá T he Bogotá Convention Bureau (BCB) is a private non-profit organization, created to promote Bogotá as a destination for meetings, events, conventions, fairs, business rounds, and incentive travel. BCB is therefore your ally to provide innovative forms of attractions for international meetings, and to support the convention and incentive travel industry. It has marketing and sales programs, and is a point of contact between the organizers of the events (institutional or professional), affiliated members, and the city government. Among its affiliates are the travel agencies, hotels, restaurants, theme parks, convention centers, auditoriums, and professional event’s organizers. On an institutional level, the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce and Instituto Distrital de Turismo (IDT) are also members of the Bureau. Bogotá Convention Bureau Calle 99 No. 9A-45 Suite 401 - Bogotá, Colombia Tels. (571) 610 3879 - 610 3895 www.bogotacb.co e- mail: cdominguez@bogotacb.com / mpinzon@bogotacb.com BOGOTÁ A destination for Congresses and Events This is Bogotá B ogotá is a busy, bustling city, full of sounds, colors, and flavors. It is a city with a spirit of ongoing discovery, which by day is cosmopolitan and perfect for any kind of local or international corporate event, and by night and at weekends offers a very wide range of amusement, excellent cuisine, nightlife, shopping, and interesting gatherings of all kinds, especially cultural ones. Bogotá stands on the central range of the Andes, at 2,640 m.a.s.l (8660 ft) with a spring-like weather throughout the year. The average temperature is 14°C (57°F) by day, and falls by night to 10°C (50°F). There are no seasons, but some months are wetter than others. Its privileged location means that there are a large number of daily connections by air with the world’s major cities, making it a strategic option for business and international The high hills to the east tower over the city with its dense vegetation and pleasant tropical climate, 2,660ft above sea level. 13 The Historic Center and the International Center offer some of Bogotá’s most characteristic architecture. Facing page. The Avenida Jiménez, environmental corridor, designed by Rogelio Salmona and built in 1998-2000 over San Francisco River. In the background, Monserrate. events. The time zone is the same as the US East Coast, which is highly convenient for work activities throughout the continent. Bogotá is the political, administrative and economic center of Colombia; it houses the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary branches, and is the home of the President of the Republic. The metropolis is divided into 20 “localities”, which in turn represent more than 1000 districts. The city government is in the hands of a Mayor and a Council, elected every four years. In the last ten years there have been important changes in the face of Bogotá. Modern architecture stands in contrast to the magic of the Spanish colonial past, with public space marked by squares and the distinctive grid of streets and avenues. There are attracThe Cathedral, on Bolivar Square, national cultural heritage tions of all kinds, with a wide choice of accommodation and facilities for business, events and conventions, making of Bogotá a unique destination. Bogotá in the world • Bogotá and its surrounding areas form the fourth largest city in South America, and the main employment market in Colombia (4 million people at work). • It is the sixth largest city in Latin America after Mexico, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Lima. • Bogotá and its surrounding region has a population of 8.5 million, of whom 40% are under 40 years old. Early Republican houses in the Historic Center, national cultural heritage • The city of Bogotá itself accounts for 25% of Colombia’s GDP. • The estimated per capita income of those who live in the city is the highest in Colombia, and one of the highest in Latin America. • The business structure of the Bogotá-Cundinamarca region is driven by micro-businesses (89%) and SMEs (11%). Large businesses account for 1% of the total. Many companies in the region specialize in personal and business services. In 2008, the largest sector was commerce (39%) followed by manufacturing industry (13.7%). • Bogotá’s privileged location makes it the natural center of large number of direct daily flights to major cities in the world, and a strategic option in the hemisphere. Figures from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism show that 52% of tourists arriving in Torres del Parque complex, national arquitectural heritage. By Rogelio Salmona Colombia have Bogotá as their final destination. 15 • During January-June 2009, the number of foreign visitors to Colombia grew 10.2% compared to the first half of 2008. • In 2009, for the seventh consecutive year, Bogotá improved its ranking among the best cities to do business in Latin America. According to the annual America Economia Intelligence report, now ranks sixth among 50 major cities in the region. • In 2008, Bogotá-Cundinamarca confirmed its position as the most attractive region for foreign direct investment, with 70% of the total investment arriving in Colombia in sectors such as industry (49%) and services (45%), mainly in transport, financial and commerce sectors. • According to the region’s Observatory managed by the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, Bogotá is recognized by foreigners as the fourth most important city-brand after Santiago, Buenos Aires and São Paulo. • Every year more multinationals and other foreign companies come to Colombia to do business and open offices. In 2008, there were 825 foreign companies in Bogotá, which is more than other cities considered as business centers such as Santiago and Rio de Janeiro. • In the first quarter of 2009, the Bogotá region was the main exporter of goods in Colombia; the most important markets were Venezuela (30%), United States (20%) and Ecuador (10%). • According to ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) who ranks countries and cities around the world by the number of international events held each year; Bogotá continues to improve its position. During 2009 it escalated 29 places, beating others such as Hong Kong, Miami, Los Angeles and Frankfurt. • Bogotá is one of the most important` historic sites in South America, with 132 National Monuments, 28 Spanish-colonial churches and large numbers of squares used for celebrations to commemorate landmarks in Colombia’s history. • There are 329 hotels and other forms of accommodation, 180 receptive travel agencies, 165 first-class local or international restaurants, 73 meeting centers and auditoriums, 90 art galleries, 58 museums, and 45 theaters to be visited. • Bogotá has the best-quality drinking water in Latin America. 16 Principal International Destinations Atlanta Aruba Barcelona Buenos Aires Caracas Curaçao Fort Lauderdale Guayaquil Habana Houston Lima Los Ángeles Madrid México D.F. Miami New York Orlando Panamá City Punta Cana París Quito Rio de Janeiro San José de Costa Rica São Paulo Santiago de Chile Toronto 5 hr. 30 min. 1 hr. 45 min. 11 hr. 6 hr. 10 min. 50 min. 1 hr. 50 min. 3 hr. 30 min. 2 hr. 2 hr. 30 min. 5 hr. 3 hr. 11hr. 13 hr. 4hr. 20 min. 4 hr. 40 min. 5 hr. 30 min. 3 hr. 40 min. 1 hr. 30 min. 2 hr. 40 min. 11 hr. 30 min. 1 hr. 30 min. 3 hr. 50 min. 1 hr. 45 min. 3 hr. 50 min. 5 hr. 7 hr. 10 min. Principal Domestic Destinations Bucaramanga Barranquilla Cali Medellín Pereira Santa Marta San Andrés Cartagena 1 hr. 1 hr. 25 min. 50 min. 30 min. 50 min. 1 hr. 25 min. 2 hr. 1hr. 20 min. +6 +6 +7 +8 +9 +10 +1 -/-12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4 Estocolmo Londres Montreal Seattle Chicago Pekín Tokyo Seoul Madrid Estambul Teherán Jerusalén El Cairo Riyad México Manila Moscú Atenas Miami Hong Kong Varsovia Paris Roma Nueva York Los Angeles Berlín Caracas Panamá Lagos Nairobi Lima Johanesburgo Río de Janeiro Sidney Santiago El Cabo Buenos Aires +7 +8 +9 +10 +1 -/-12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4 Airlines operating in Colombia Avianca Aerorepública Aerolíneas Argentinas Air Canadá Air France American Airlines Continental Copa Airlines Cubana de Aviación Delta Dutch Antilles Emirates Airlines Iberia Jetblue Lacsa Lan Chile / Lan Perú Lufthansa Mexicana de Aviación Spirit Singapore Airlines Taca 17 The street infrastructure is modern and is being continuously improved. The TransMilenio mass transit system a model for the world. Geo-strategy and world confluence B ogotá is the largest center for cargo and the third largest passenger mobilizer in Latin America. El Dorado International airport El Dorado located 11 km (7 miles) from downtown, occupies 690 ha, with two runways and a freight terminal. It is the hub for national and international traffic in Colombia. The main international airlines serving Bogotá include Avianca-TACA, COPA, LAN, American Airlines, Delta, Continental, Air France, Iberia, Lufthansa, Emirates Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and some low-cost operators. Many of them have daily connections to other Avenida El Dorado, con su cicloruta major cities in Colombia. Today this airport is undergoing its greatest restructuring ever, a radical modernization program will enable it to move 16 million passengers and 1.5 million tons of freight a year in the medium term, becoming one of the most functional terminals in Latin America. There are two terminals: the International terminal to the south, for those going on to other countries and the domestic terminal to the north, for local flights only. Puente Aéreo terminal The “Puente Aéreo” terminal is half a mile from El Dorado International Airport , and used exclusively by Avianca to operate local flights to Medellín, Cali, Bucaramanga, Cartagena, Bridges on Calle 92 Santa Marta, Montería, Pasto and other domestic destinations. It’s VIP rooms have been nominated and won awards for the quality of its installations, facilities and technology such as wireless Internet, buffet and working areas. Intercity transport F rom Venezuela in land transportation starts in Cúcuta and from Ecuador, the route stars at Ipiales. The bus terminal has modern installations with on-line information points, public service information desks round-the-clock, taxi operations, shops, banks, ATMs, and tour- 18 Avenida Caracas Principal domestic destinations Name Time Armenia 292 7 hr. Barranquilla 986 17 hr. Bucaramanga 393 8 hr. Cali 487 8 hr. 1073 18 hr. Ibagué 206 6 hr. Medellín 399 9 hr. Manizales 362 8 hr. Neiva 308 5 hr. Pereira 334 7 hr. Santa Marta 951 16 hr. Villavicencio 98 3 hr. Cartagena Pedestrian bridges for the TransMilenio system Distance (km) ist information points where English-speaking staff provides free advice on all aspects of Bogotá. Satellite terminals Four satellite terminals are now in the process of construction at exit points of the city, with improved environmental benefits, better mobilization, security, productivity and less A TransMilenio station damage to the road system. TransMilenio, the pride of Bogotá T ransMilenio is a mass transit system with its own carriageways, which came into service in 2001. It uses two- or three-module “bendy-buses”. This system is an example, not only for the improvement of the traffic system, but also to help control climate change, since it works on diesel, and produces less than half the nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide emitted by the former generation of buses. The TransMilenio model has been adopted by 12 other cities around the world including Mexico, Jakarta and Ahmedabad (India). Its efficiency is recognized by major pubAvenida Jimenez at Carrera 7 lic and private organizations including the United Nations. 19 With its pleasant public spaces and modern infrastructure – including South America’s longest bikeway – and generous green zones, Bogotá offers excellent quality of life. The bikeway network, the longest in Latin America T he bikeway network has some 344 kilometers (215 miles) covering almost the whole city. These routes are fun to ride along, safe and healthy. You don’t have to be a high performance sportsperson to pedal your way almost anywhere in the city. At some times of day, and for some destinations, it is often quicker to go on a bicycle where any other forms of transport are excluded. Model bikeride streets for South America O n Sundays and public holidays, between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. some of Bogotá’s thoroughfares become recreational bikeride streets, and all other forms of transport are excluded. Skaters, athletes or simple walkers also use them. The bike ride streets are not only a model in South America, they have also become the most important focus of recreation and sporting amusements, where more than a million people use them every weekend The system uses main streets so that one can easily cross the city from north to south and east to west. The idea behind it is to encourage peaceful coexistence, integration, and appropriate uses of public space. The scheme is also designed to create aware- Bikeway in Parque El Virrey ness of good ways to use free time, and a sense of belonging to the city. A 5-star destination Bogotá hotels offer highest international standards led by major chains, such as Sheraton, Marriot, Hilton, GHL, nh, Estelar, Crowne Plaza, Royal and Summit. These hotels offer some 12,000 rooms, which will be increased by 4,000 new rooms in the next five years, as a result of investment by international chains such as Hilton, Sonesta, Ibis, Diplomat and Holiday Inn. Aside from the offer of accommodation, many of these hotels offer excellent installations for conventions, equipment audiovisual aids and infrastructure to organize events. 20 Lobby of the Hotel Crowne Plaza Tequendama 4 and 5-star Hotels in Bogotá Hotel 70 30 El Belvedere GHL 39 50 190 400 92 180 Bogotá Royal 142 500 Capital GHL 215 180 Casa Dann Carlton 242 750 Charleston 64 45 Charleston Casa Medina 58 80 Cosmos 100 300 800 Crownw Plaza Tequendama 578 2.500 80 300 102 250 96 140 Estelar La Fontana 218 230 Estelar Suites Jones 92 200 GHL Hamilton Court 41 70 Hacienda Royal 82 80 Hotel de La Ópera 43 150 La Boheme Royal 66 35 Marriot Bogotá 239 800 Pavillon Royal 72 20 Radisson Royal 251 250 Rosales Plaza 61 120 Sheraton GHL 247 1.000 68 160 127 300 Bogotá Regency Dann Colonial De La Feria Estelar Embassy Suites Puentes de la Calle 92 Suites 101 Park House Windsor House GHL Golf course at the Country Club Largest meeting room Andino Royal Bogotá Plaza Summit Hotel Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada Convention Center Rooms All hotels have a Business Center and boardband Internet Hotel projects in progress in 2010. Hotel NH 93 (150 rooms), JW Marriott (265 rooms), Estelar Eldorado (134 rooms), Hilton 72 Gran Hotel (245 rooms), Hotel Gran Estación (367 rooms), Sonesta (127 rooms), Diplomat (261 rooms), NH Bogotá (256 rooms), Ibis Bogotá Museo (218 rooms). 21 A major destination for Fairs and Conventions B ogotá is Colombia’s main destination for congresses, fairs and events. Its facilities account for 31% of the total national offer. Aside from 195 venues in high-class hotels and specialized centers, there are 65 convention centers and auditoriums available, a large international fairground with a wide selection of services and leading-edge technology. The Corferias international fairground has 22 pavilions, a covered area of 62,500 square meters, and 15,000 square meters of open-air exhibition area. The offer of non-traditional venues include colonial museums, modern facilities, Maloka Interactive Center converted farmhouse-mansions in the outskirts of the city amid spectacular scenery, theme-restaurants and bars with original offers and exquisite menus, audiovisual aids and leading-edge technology. Andrés Carne de Res, El Portico, Museo Nacional, Maloka, the Botanical Garden, Monserrate, Casa de la Moneda, Museo del Chicó, Castillo del Mono Osorio and Castillo de Marroquín are just some of the items on a very long list. There is also a wide offer of professional congress operators, trained to provide logistics required in catering, professional organization, simultaneous translation, booth and panel rentals, displays, furniture and decoration, communications technology, lighting, specialized transport, tour operators, support personnel-and much more. A center of major international events Jose Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden E very year Bogotá is the regular venue of a large number of concerts, fairs and events such as: January/February • Destino Colombia – (Travel Mart). A business round held every year during the ANATO tourism industry fair, addressed to travel agencies, hotels and event organizers. The purpose of the event is to promote the development of specialized tourist products for Colombia and to look into alternatives for sustainable tourism. • Semana de la Moda – (Fashion Week). For a whole week, designers and manufacturers of clothing, leather-goods and shoes come together to display the latest trends. 22 The Bogotá Chamber of Commerce building Bogotá has the largest installed capacity in Colombia for events, congresses, fairs and exhibitions. The Corferias international fairground has 22 pavilions and hosts specialized events year-round. 23 The capital has an active cultural life. Many number of events take place round the year, many of world class, such as the Iberoamerican Theatre Festival, held every two years, Rock al Parque and the International Book Fair. 24 • Temporada Taurina (Bullfighting season). Colombian and foreign bullfighters show off their talents in the Santa Maria bullring. March/ April • Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro (Ibero-American Theater Festival). This festival is one of the largest scenic art festivals in the world, bringing together a great numbers of visitors, functions, and diversity in various types of performances. Held every two years. • Feria del Entretenimiento y Juegos de Azar (Entertainment and Gaming Fair). The fair is a specialized trade show for the entertainment, recreation and games of chance industries; it promotes business, technology transfer, and marketing tools. Rock-in-the-Park May/June • Temporada de Zarzuela (Zarzuela Season). A first-class selection of lyrical works from around the world. • Feria de Jóvenes empresarios (Young Entrepreneurship Fair). A unique event in Latin America, the fair promotes exchange between young entrepreneurs and buyers interested in financing and investing in their projects. • Expoconstrucción y Diseño (Construction and Design Fair). This is a specialized event, bringing together the construction industry, architects, designers, decorators, and the most important schools of architecture, engineering and design in Colombia. It is the largest national show for materials, machinery, input and equipment for architectural, The Santamaria bullring visual and industrial design, interior and exterior decoration. • Feria Internacional del Libro (International Book Fair). One of the three largest publishing events in Latin America. An important source of business for the Colombian and international publishing sector. Many would agree that it is the most important cultural event in Colombia and the Andean region. • Rock al Parque (Rock-in-the-Park festival). This is a free, open-air festival, the largest of its kind in Latin America, and the most important mass event in Bogotá. It takes place once a year, with bands well known in Colombia and throughout the world. The event is organized by City Hall, the city culture recreation and sports department (IDRD), and the Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra. • Feria de Belleza y Salud (Health and Wellness Fair). The fair brings together the best- Opera season known Colombian and foreign professionals in a wide range of skills related to com- 25 prehensive personal care for men and women, showing off the latest trends in beauty, facial and body aesthetics, hairdressing and cosmetology. • Bogotá Inernacional y Espectacular (International, Spectacular Bogotá). An opportunity for visitors to take a trip through the countries that exhibit their tourist offer, and their leading commercial and cultural attractions. Other features include concerts, films cycles, musical groups, food and shows of typical dances and more. July/August • Festival de Verano (Summer Festival). This festival is a highly popular event, mounted to commemorate the foundation of Bogotá with a cultural, sporting and recreational program. • Agroexpo. This event is probably the largest agribusiness generator in Latin America. Here, you will find a superb exhibition of the farming and agribusiness sector, with judging and auctions of cattle, sheep and goats. There are seminars and lectures, exhibitions of agricultural machinery, materials, and exhibits from the food service industry. • Footwear and Leather Show. Leather-goods makers show the public the best of Colombian and international products, with the newest ideas and latest developments in Jazz-in-the-Park clothing, shoes and materials. • Feria de las Colonias. A cultural and commercial and fair in which all the regions of Colombia come together. It is a platform, on which the public has the opportunity to “do the rounds of Colombia in a day”, and enjoy a broad-based program with exhibits of commerce, culture, good food and a wide range of products, services and projects, with the most important offer from each of Colombia’s provinces. • Media Maratón de Bogotá (Bogotá Half-Marathon). The half-marathon is Colombia’s premier public athletics event, in which more than 300,000 people from around the world take part. The IAAF has awarded it the Gold Label, a distinction enjoyed by only 24 cities, including New York, Boston and Chicago. • Carnaval de Bogotá (Bogotá Carnival). This is an annual event, designed to encourage collective festivities to celebrate life, creative expression, fun, and the sense of belonging to the city. September/October • Jazz al Parque (Jazz-in-the-Park Festival). This event is a free, open-air festival, mounted by the best bands from Colombia, and major figures on the world stage. 26 Corferias pavilion Proflora flower fair Feria de las Colonias- Region´s Culture Fair Summer Festival Expoartesanias Crafts Fair A Sunday biking street Bogotá Carnival 27 • Festival de Cine (Film Festival). The festival attracts the best of Colombia and foreign films in theatres and in the open-air. There are prizes for new directors, film workshops and exhibitions. • Proflora. This show is the most important flower industry exhibition in the Americas. Colombian and foreign species are on display, and providers of plant material and services and other materials come in from all corners of the world. November/December • Expoartesanias. This event is the most important crafts fair in Latin America, the product of high standards of quality, design and innovation. Success stories I n addition to the regular annual events, Bogotá has also become known for other successful international encounters. Event Dates III Jornada de Solaci Región Andina November 30, 2008 World Implantology August 30, 2008 DEMHIST General Assembly of House-Museums September 22, 2008 XXIII Latin American Neurosurgery Congress October 27 – 30, 2008 Extravaganza Herbalife February, 2009 PEN World Assembly September 17-22, 2008 200 VI Latin American Congreso of Legal Anthropology October 28-31, 2008 800 II Latin American Congress –Forum on Emerging Markets April 1-2, 2009 80 Eurodent Congress June 5-6, 2009 2.600 XVI Latin American Conference of ESRI users October, 2009 600 CIBIA –VII Latin American Congress of Food Engineering September 6-9, 2009 800 ACRIP Conference - XVII Nacional Human Management Congress. September 23-25, 2009 600 III China – Latin America Business Summit November 22-26, 2009 1.600 Latin America Shared Sevices February 2010 XI Encounter Colombiano Compite March 18 – 19, 2010 VIII Forum on leadership in infrastructure March 21-23, 2010 More information: www.bogotacb.com - www.esbogota.com 28 Attendance 700 2.500 400 1.600 10.000 170 1.500 400 The world’s media have said the following: August 2, 2010 - Kolumbien will zum touristischen Höhenflug ansetzen. The German magazine Touristik Aktuell which is probably the most important specialist publication for the tourist industry, wrote about Colombia in its latest issue, and classed it as a high-quality destination, particularly recommending Bogotá as an interesting tourist attraction, with infinity of possibilities. July 15, 2010 - The Temptation of the New Colombia The Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail speaks of the rapid changes that have taken place in recent years, and the way in which Canadian businesses have increased their investments, finding a whole new world of opportunities. It points to Bogotá as the symbol of the rebirth of Colombia. International Center La Candelaria Church Parque Nacional 29 June 7, 2010 - Cultural Revolution in Bogotá The well-known Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia mentions Bogotá as a city of major changes. The article adds that other countries in Latin America are looking at Colombia’s capital closely as an example to follow. April 17, 2010 - Bogotá Moves Beyond its Bad Boy Image The well-known newspaper USA Today published a note about the transformation of Bogotá in the last 10 years. The note calls the city one of the most important centers in the continent, with a completely new image, a wide offer of tourism, and culture of international standing. January 19, 2010 - The 31 places to go in 2010 Detail of a balcony on an early Republican-era house The New York Times includes Colombia among the “31 destinations to visit in 2010”, highlighting the transformation of Bogotá in recent years, and calling it “impressive”. July 26, 2009 - Bogotá Meets the World The Sunday issue of the New York Times published a page about Bogotá in its Travel section, comparing the bohemian district of La Macarena with New York’s SoHo or Buenos Aires’ Palermo. July 9, 2009 - Buses may aid climate battles in four cities The New York Times published an interesting article on TransMilenio. It highlights the way in which the mass transit system has helped the city to win the battle against climate change, and points to the benefits which have made it a reference-point for implementa- Decorative mask, Teatro Colon tion in other cities around the world. May/June 2009 - The Food Networks, Ingrid Hoffmann and Bogotá, Colombia delicious The Magazine Washington Flyer in its May/June 2009 issue gives a charming and detailed account of Bogotá, with particular emphasis on its offer of good food. May 2009-Bad Reputation - Great Destination The specialist travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler published an article in its May issue recommending Bogotá as a tourist destination. Journalist Stephen Dudley described the city as the cultural and intellectual center of Latin America, with its unfortunate past behind it. 30 The Botero Museum in Casa de la Moneda BOGOTÁ A destination for tourists Tourism around Bogotá I n addition to facilities for doing business, and organizing events and conventions, Bogotá has a wide choice of possibilities for local and foreign tourists to find an offer for all tastes. There are cultural programs year-round, nightlife, shopping, first-class restaurants, children’s activities and spectacular scenery all around you. View of La Candelaria, the most typical district of old Bogotá, with Bolivar Square and other symbolic buildings around it – the Cathedral, the Capitol, Lievano Palace and the Palace of Justice. 33 Bogotá has many museums. Some of them are housed in spectacular mansions of the Spanish colonial era, such as this, Casa del Marquez de San Jorge (facing page). History and Culture B ogotá has 58 museums and historic houses, 161 monuments which are part of the national heritage, 28 churches of tourist interest, 90 art galleries, and 50 theatres. The historic center is called La Candelaria. It surrounds the Plaza Bolivar, and since the 16th century, when the first buildings were erected, it has preserved its standing as a political, administrative and religious center. The steep streets still carry the names that recall the Spanish colonial era. Today, many of these old buildings are used as schools, universities, hotels, antique shops, cafés Museo Nacional or restaurants. It is this sector that concentrates most of the museums, government offices, libraries, universities and cultural centers. Among the museums, one of the most famous is the Gold Museum, a unique institution with 34,000 pieces of pre-Columbian gold work, the National Museum-one of the oldest in the Americas, built over 185 years ago- and the Botero Museum with 85 works from all over the world, reflecting the most important artistic movements of the end of the 19th century, and 123 works in different techniques by Botero himself. Monserrate Sanctuary is a symbol of the city, not only because of its natural resources, but because of its religious connotations: the sanctuary is visited by millions of pilgrims and travelers every year. Las Aguas Plaza and Church Bogotá has 20 public libraries (five major libraries, six district libraries and 10 local libraries), which operate as a network, and service more than 4 million users a year. Shopping-Fashion B ogotá is one of the focal points of commerce in Latin America, with whole districts engaged in design and fashion, and boutiques by well-known Colombian and foreign designers. There are 55 or more large modern shopping malls across the city, with the offer of world-famous names at very competitive prices. Bogotá is also the center of the Colombian emerald trade. These stones are unique Andino shopping mall in the world for purity, size and hardness. The quality of gold-and silver-work and jewelry 35 is world famous, and the replicas of pre-Columbian pieces are particularly interesting. The most exclusive jewelers are to be found in the international center, on the Carrera 15, in Zona T, and in the shopping malls. Leather-goods also enjoy an international reputation. Suitcases, jackets, bags, shoes and accessories are to be found in the shopping malls and in specialized stores. There are also shopping “corridors”, in some of the more traditional streets, as a sort of open-air shopping areas, and outlets in the industrial sectors. The craft markets and the flea-markets are outstanding for originality and quality. “San Alejo” in downtown and “San Pelayo” in Usaquén are the two most popular. On Sun- Bogotá is an important fashion center days and holidays there are antiques, crafts, textiles, books, and much more to be found there, livened up by street performances. Regional and national craftwork is very varied; particularly the objects in pottery, woodwork, weaving and basketwork. The shops are in the Artesanías de Colombia at Claustro de las Aguas, Centro Internacional, Calle 72 and in North Bogotá. Dinning Out T he restaurant trade is experiencing a boom in Bogotá, making use of new trends, flavors, aromas and forms which bring together traditional and original ingredients that combine to make it a preferred choice of experts. The best and most varied offer is to be found in six specialized districts, located in the north and center. Zona M, Zona G, Zona R, Zona T, Parque de la 93, Usaquén, and Zona C. All of them offer a very special ambiance, and the best of Colombian and international dishes are to be found there, often accompanied by music, for a truly memorable visit. One of the reasons for this boom is the constant stream of business tourists who pass through Bogotá. Every day, business executives from all over the world are to be found on the streets, ready to enjoy every aroma, color and flavor of one of the richest and most varied forms of cuisine in South America. 36 Antiques in Toldos de San Alejo Like all major cities, Bogotá has many opportunities for pleasant cultural activities like eating out, leisure, recreation and shopping. Quiosco de la Luz, Parque Nacional Virgilio Barco Public Library Gabriel Garcia Marquez Cultural Center Hotel de la Opera, La Candelaria Casa Santa Clara restaurant, Monserrate Casa del 20 de julio – Museum of Independence San Isidro restaurant Parque El Salitre Luis Angel Arango Concert Hall 37 Night life T here is a word used on the Caribbean coast to describe the zest of the nightlife, “rumba”, evoking nights of entertainment in a bar, a disco, a casino or a restaurant. Bogotá is the undoubted capital of rumba in Latin America. As a cosmopolitan city Bogotá brings together persons from every region, every accent from Colombia and around the world, for such it has become a space for culture and entertainment for all tastes, pockets, and occasions. Cross over experiences, modern and electronic music blended with Colombian traditional styles (like salsa or vallenato) are to be found everywhere to satisfy the most demanding tastes. Zona Rosa on Calle 82 Parque de la 93, Zona T, Zona G, La Macarena, Usaquén and Chía are the best places to go clubbing. Bogotá and its surroundings C ity’s attractions are complemented by nearby destinations, which can be visited in a day - a trip may last from one to three hours - to enjoy many types of scenery, climate, historical and cultural attractions. The list is long. It includes páramo (a high-mountain ecosystem 3,000-4,000 m.a.s.l nature reserves, and ancient tracks built by pre-Columbian communities and the Spanish colonial administration. These are places in which history and nature come together to The Salt Cathedral in the outskirts of Zipaquira offer excursions of extreme beauty and cultural interest. This is also the ideal scenario for sports such as golf, tennis, sailing, hiking, windsurfing, waterskiing; rock climbing, mountain biking, motocross and car racing, amongst many others. The superb scenery, the flower farms, the good food and crafts of special interest are to be found everywhere in the region. The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral -a giant temple carved out of the heart of a salt mine, and one of the wonders of Colombia - the Suesca rocks, Chingáza Natural Park, the dams at Neusa and Guatavita are just a few of the places to visit. 38 Sanctuary of Monserrate Bogotá for children O ne of the areas to which the city administration has paid special attention is to build recreational, educational and sports arenas for children, making the capital a safe place, in which the child comes first. There are regular programs for recreational activities and entertainment, and a wide choice of museums, shops and parks. One of the main attractions is the Maloka Science and Technology theme park, where children and adults can learn in a new and amusing way. Maloka Interactive Center DiverCity is a city-within-a-city of 5,200 sqm with 46 attractions. Everything is childsized so that children can play as if they were adults - they decide what they want to work on and how to spend their money. The Panaca Sabana agricultural park is only 40 minutes from Bogotá, and has a domestic animal zoo with some 2,400 animals, surrounded by crops and gardens Macanu is another place for the family: there is interactive amusement involving nature and demonstrations of the importance of farming, flora and fauna. This is a complete ecological park and experimental farm, with train trips, horses and a lake amongst other attractions. Macanu Ecological Park Among the theme parks, there is Mundo Aventura (Adventure World) with amusing attractions and characters suitable for all ages and family taste; the Salitre Mágico park -which belongs to the CIE entertainment group, one of the world’s largest operators-, present in eight countries including America and Spain. There are more than 25 child and family attractions, all with high impact. The Cici Aqua Park aquatic complex, the Museo de los Niños (Children’s Museum), full of things to know about and entertain, and a number of nature reserves with rich scenery, mountains, lakes, waterfalls and wild animals – all of them are part of this large inventory of learning and amusement. Salitre Mágico. 39 COLOMBIA A destination to be discovered Welcome to Colombia! C olombia dreams to show the world its true face: a face full of color, flavor, beautiful cities and unimaginably varied scenery. It is a country with millions of people waiting to welcome you with open arms, and with much passion in their hearts. Colombia’s privileged position in the continent and the presence of the three chains of the Andean mountains, has produced a combination of all possible natural regions from the tropics to the perpetual snows of the high mountains, the warm beaches of the Caribbean, the exotic jungles of the Amazon basin and the Pacific coast, to the dry deserts of the Guajira peninsular and the flatlands of the Orinoco basin. Colombia, in the equatorial zone, enjoys all levels of climate. It is only a few miles from the warm plains along the Caribbean to the snow-capped peaks of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. 43 History and culture are present everywhere: San Agustín to the south has massive pre-Columbian sculptures; Cartagena (facing page) and Santa Cruz de Mompóx have some of the best-preserved colonial era building on the coast; and Medellín, the City of Eternal Spring, adorns its parks with the sculptures of Fernando Botero. Colombia is also a modern and dynamic nation, with good infrastructure and excellent human capital. A mixture of races and cultural backgrounds amongst it’s people has resulted in a country rich in tradition, particularly cheerful, welcoming and passionate. Each region of Colombia offers huge diversity. The Amazon, with the world’s widest, vastest and most plentiful river in the world and with the largest tropical jungle on this planet; Cartagena, famous for having being a pirates cove, with its golden beaches and colonial architecture; the Coffee Triangle, formed by the departments of Caldas, Quindío and Risaralda, has earned its name as the birthplace of the world’s best coffee. The San Agustín Archaeological Park, declared by UNESCO as the largest group of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures of South America, cosmopolitan cities such as Bogotá and Medellín, and many other destinations are part of the long list of possibilities waiting for you. Multi-coloured sculpture in San Agustin Geography, vegetation and climate C olombia is the only country in South America with coasts on the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, its land area is 1,141,748 sqkm, and it has 928,660 sqkm are territorial waters. It shares land frontiers with Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador; and sea frontiers with Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Haiti. Colombia stretches from Lat 4°S to Lat 12°N, and from Long 67°W to 79°W. The climate is equatorial, determined by the trade winds, humidity, and altitude above sea level. The higher the level, the lower the temperature. The seasonal changes come in two modes: there are two rainy seasons affecting almost all the country from April to June and August to November; and two dry or summer seasons in between. Daylight is almost constant through the year. Bell-tower of the church of Santa Barbara, Mompox Other interesting notes • Historically, Colombia has been known for great economic stability. From the 1970’s its GDP has grown two points more than the average in Latin America, and it has been the least volatile country in the region. In the last five years, the Colombian economy has grown at rates of over 4% a year. • In 2008 GDP rose 2, 5%: a positive performance in the midst of a world recession. • Colombia is the regional leader in entrepreneurship and has the fastest-growing workforce. According to the IMD 2009, it has the second most flexible employment regime in Latin America. 44 Parque Botero, Medellín Colombia’s complex geography in five huge natural regions makes for some astonishing contrasts of scenery • Colombia has the second largest skilled workforce available in the region, after Chile. • The World Bank’s “Doing Business Report” for 2010 classifies Colombia as the friendliest country in Latin America for doing business. For the fourth consecutive year, Colombia ranked as one of the top 10 countries in the world for the number of reforms passed to improve the business environment. Between 2007 and 2010, Colombia has raised 42 places in the chart, and now ranks 37 out of 181 countries. • While world tourism fell 4% in 2009, Colombia’s tourism increased 10.2%. • The country has the best-quality science and mathematics education in the region • In environmental protection, Colombia ranks 10 in the world, and first in the region, followed by Chile, Peru and Mexico. The snow-capped peak of Cocuy, Boyaca International distinctions • In the context of ABAV 2009, the most important tourism fair in Latin America, Editorial April awarded Colombia “Destino Revelador”, as the prize for institutional marketing merit for the IX version of this contest with the magazine Viajes y Turismo, Brazil’s leading publication in this area. • Colombia has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, four cultural sites for forts, monuments and archaeological treasures, two natural sites for the richness of their flora and fauna, and two for importance in the intangible heritage for mankind. • Colombia has the greatest biodiversity in the world after Brazil Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta • The world’s largest opencast mining operations have made Colombia the number one steam coal exporter, with an annual production of 50 million tons, and the fifth largest producer of coal, located at the Guajira peninsula. • Caño Cristales, a river of “Five Colors” has been recognized as the most beautiful river in the world. • In 2006, the logo of Juan Valdéz Café, the mark of the mildest coffee in the world, won the prize for America’s most widely-recognized symbol from among 200,000 voters in the contest for the Advertising Hall of Fame in New York. The symbolic significance of the trademark ranked higher than McDonald’s, Energizer or Nike. The island of Providencia 46 From the jungles of the Amazon basin to the mountains of Quindío, nature can be seen in all her glory of colors and shapes. Colombia is one of the richest countries in the world in flora and fauna species; but perhaps its greatest treasure is its cheerful, pleasant and hardworking people. The variety of its regions also makes Colombia a kaleidoscope of races and cultures. Toucan Barranquilla Carnival Plant in the shape of the paramo rose. A girl from Choco Heliconia Carnival mask Butterflies in the sun Cuna Indian textile work Native Guambia woman 47 Visas Nationals of the following countries do not need visas to enter as a tourist and stay up to 90 days. 1. Andorra 2. Antigua and Barbuda 3. Argentina 4. Australia 5. Austria 6. Bahamas 7. Barbados 8. Belgium 9. Belice 10. Bolivia 11. Brazil 12. Canada 13. Costa Rica 14. Croatia 15. Cyprus 16. Czech Republic 17. Chile 18. Denmark 19. Dominica 20. Dominican Republic 21. Ecuador 22. El Salvador 23. Finland 24. France 25. Germany 26. Granada 27. Greece 28. Guatemala 29. Guyana 30. Honduras 31. Hong Kong (SAR) 32. Hungary 33. Iceland 34. Indonesia 35. Israel 36. Italy 37. Jamaica 38. Japan 39. Korea (South) 40. Liechtenstein 41. Lithuania 42. Luxembourg 43. Malaysia 44. Malta 45. Mexico 46. Monaco 47. Netherlands 48. New Zealand 49. Norway 50. Panamá 51. Paraguay 52. Peru 53. Philippines 54. Portugal 55. Rumania 56. San Marino 57. Singapore 58. Slovakia. 59. Spain 60. St Kitts and Nevis 61. St Lucía 62. St Vincent and the Grenadines 63. Sweden 64. Switzerland 65. Trinidad and Tobago 66. Turkey 67. United Kingdom 68. United States of America 69. Uruguay 70. Venezuela Countries with visa exemption whose nationals are given visitor permits by Colombian consulates: 1. Armenia 2. Azerbaijan 3. Bangladesh 4. Benin 5. Bhután 6. Botswana 7. Brunei-Darussalam 8. Burkina-Faso 9. Burundi 10. Cameroon 11. Cape Verde 12. Central African Republic 13. Chad 14. Comoro Is 15. Congo 16. Equatorial Guinea 17. Eritrea 18. Estonia 48 19. Etiopía 20. Fiji 21. Gabon 22. Gambia 23. Ghana 24. Guinea 25. Guinea Bissau 26. India 27. Ivory Coast 28. Kenya 29. Kirghistán 30. Kiribati 31. Lesotho 32. Lettland 33. Madagascar 34. Malawi 35. Maldive Is 36. Mali 37. Marshall Is 38. Mauritania 39. Mauritius 40. Micronesia 41. Moldova 42. Mongolia 43. Morocco 44. Namibia 45. Nauru 46. Nepal 47. Nicaragua 48. Niger 49. Palau 50. Papua Nueva Guinea 51. Poland 52. Rwanda 53. Samoa 54. São Tomé e Príncipe 55. Senegal 56. Seychelles 57. Slovenia 58. Solomon Is 59. Swaziland 60. Tanzania 61. Tayikistán 62. Timor-Leste 63. Togo 64. Tonga 65. Turkmenistan 66. Tuvalu 67. Vanuatu 68. Zambia 69. Zimbabwe CONVENTION CENTERS AND NON-TRADITIONAL VENUES Convention Centers AR Centro de Convenciones Address: Calle 113 No. 7-80 Piso 2 Torre AR Phone: (57) (1) 743 17 17/ (57) 320 838 43 43 Webpage: www.arcentrodeconvenciones.com Contact: centrodeconvenciones@grupoar.com.co General Services Internal catering, internet WIFI, parking for over 3,000 vehicles, advisory services on event organization, audiovisual aids. Characteristics Name Capacity Area (m2) Height (m) Arcoíris 380 272 4.7 Arboleda 350 270 4.7 228 4.7 Foyer Arlequín 120 76 2.2 Arcangel 60 37 2.2 Arrayanes 12 30 2.2 Argenta 10 27 2.2 Arrecife Arándano VIP 8 21 2.2 10 23 2.2 8 23 2.2 Centro de Convenciones CAFAM Address: Carrera 68 No. 90–88 Bloque 3 Piso 1 Phone: (57) (1) 646 80 00 Ext: 23 05 – 23 09 Webpage: www.cafam.com.co Contact: eventos@cafam.com.co / convencionesfloresta@cafam.com.co General Services Advisory services on events, internal catering, high-technology audiovisuals, strategic location Characteristics Name Capacity Main Auditorium 540 Meeting Rooms 80 Room 1 15 Room 2 30 Room 3 65 51 Centro de Convenciones Compensar Address: Avenida 68 No. 49a - 47 Phone: (57) (1) 307 70 01 Webpage: www.compensar.com/eventos Contact: eventos@compensar.com General Services Intelligent audio/visual control, sound systems, computerized ambient and artistic lighting, physical and electronic security, 1,398 parking spaces , strategic location. Characteristics Capacity Area (m2) Height (m) Main Auditorium 800 777 6.20 Main Hall 280 444 6.50 Main Hall Lobby 400 397 2.90 80 112 2.90 Name Room S1 Room S2 20 56 2.90 Room S3 160 225 2.90 Room S4 90 120 2.90 Centro de Convenciones Corferias Address: Carrera 37 No. 24 – 67 Phone: (57) (1) 381 00 00 / 30 Ext. 2421 – 1970 Webpage: www.corferias.com.co Contact: mbaez@corferias.com / rvergara@corferias.com / info@corferias.com General Services Food hall with international restaurants and fast food, Wi-Fi, over 3,000 parking spaces, business rounds, recording, telemarketing, logistics personnel (gatekeepers, security guards, Supervisors, information staff ). Capacity Area (m2) Auditorium 757 645 Protocol Room 155 200 6.000 6.083 50 55 20.000 44.430 Name Main Room Hall & Bar Show Room (17 halls) 52 Characteristics Height (m) 9.3 Non-traditional Venues Andrés Carne de Res Chía Address: Calle 3 No. 11A - 56, Chía Phone: (57) (1) 863 78 80 Bogotá Centro Comercial El Retiro Calle 82 No. 12-21 Phone: (57) (1) 863 78 80 Webpage: www.andrescarnederes.com Contact: mercadeo@hotelrosalesplaza.com Andrés Carne de Res is famous in Colombia and abroad. Most visitors who come to Colombia and to Bogotá for the first time go there for the rumba and the food, as being the best on offer in Colombia. Archivo de Bogotá Address: Ca5 No. 5-75 Phone: (57) (1) 381 3000 Webpage: www.bogota.gov.co Contact: archivo@alcaldiadebogota.gov.co A cultural complex in the center of Bogotá. Two exhibition rooms, auditorium for 200, small meeting rooms, facilities and rooms for reading, document consultation and collections. Archivo General de la Nación Address: Carrera 6 Nº. 6 - 91 Phone: (57) (1) 328 28 88 Webpage: www.archivogeneral.gov.co Contact: contacto@archivogeneral.gov.co Archivo General de la Nación is a trip through Colombia’s history, an interesting opportunity to appreciate its past. It was created in 1989 to define policy for Colombia’s archives and rescue the historic memory of Colombians. Event Rooms Name Capacity 2 Rooms 50 c/u Auditorium 200 53 Casa de la Moneda Address: Calle 11 No. 4-14 Phone: (57) (1) 343 1212 Built in 1753 of stone and adobe, this is a Spanish colonial style house, and contains the official numismatic collection of Colombia. There are also ten rooms housing Banco de la República’s plastic arts collection with Works by Brueghel, Delacroix, Courbet, Tamayo and other international artists. This is the most complete collection of Colombian plastic arts in the country. Casa San Isidro Cerro Monserrate Phone: (57) (1) 281 93 09 / 281 92 70 Webpage: www.cerromonserrate.com On the crest of Monserrate San Isidro restaurant was built 26 years ago and is one of the most traditional of its kind. Event Rooms Capacity Name Meeting room (1) 120 Banquets Castillo del Mono Osorio Address: Carrera 3 Nº. 74 - 00 Phone: (57) (1) 346 51 97 / 235 47 23 Webpage: www.castillodelmonoosorio.com Castillo del Mono Osorio is a replica of a12th-century Belgian castle, erected in the 20th century and now a National Architectural Monument. It is built entirely of stone and the ornamentation of the windows is in cast iron. Event Rooms Name Capacity Meeting rooms (6) Banquets 54 100 Castillo Marroquín Address: Autopista Central del Norte Km 21 La Caro Phone: (57) (1) 676 41 01 Webpage: www.castillomarroquin.com Contact: scaiceac@banrep.gov.co Castillo Marroquín, is twenty minutes outside Bogotá, a place of history and fantasy, magic and elegance. It was built over 100 years ago by the son of President José Manuel Marroquín on plans brought from Europe Event Rooms Capacity Name Meeting rooms (4) 1,800 Auditorium Biblioteca Luis Angel Arango Cultural Complex Address: Calle 11 No. 4-14 Phone: (57) (1) 343 12 62 / 343 12 50 Webpage: www.lablaa.org Contact: scaiceac@banrep.gov.co The complex houses Colombia’s most important public library and one of the largest in Latin America, with over two million volumes. It is located in La Candelaria, and offers local and international exhibitions, workshops, concerts, lectures and contests year-round. Event Rooms Name Capacity Meeting rooms (3) Room 300 Auditorium 600 55 Julio Mario Santo Domingo Library and Culture Center Address: Calle 170 entre Carreras 59 y 64 Phone: (57) (1) 359 0244 Webpage: www.biblioamigos.org Contact: proyecto@biblioamogos.org In San José de Bavaria Park on calle 170 between Carreras 59 and 64. The Center has 23,000 s.q.m. with a theatre to hold 1,300 people. Suitable for all types of performances (opera, theatre, concerts etc.). There is also an experimental theatre or flexible auditoriums for a public of 300 and a focal-lighting exhibition area specifically designed to exhibit paintings, sculptures and artistic installations in general. El Pórtico Address: Autopista Norte Km 19 Phone: (57) (1) 676 27 52 / 676 01 39 Webpage: www.elportico.com.co El Pórtico was built over 40 years ago with spaces for all kinds of events around its restaurant. The site has 3 hectares of buildings and open-air facilities, holding up to 3,000 people; eight different events can be held there at the same time. There is a small bullring. Event Rooms Name Capacity Meeting Rooms (8) Auditorium 56 1.500 Fundación Gilberto Alzate Avendaño Address: Calle 10 No. 3-16 Phone: (57) (1) 282 94 91 ext. 117 Webpage: www.fgaa.gov.co Contacto: biblioteca@fgaa.gov.co Fundación Gilberto Alzate Avendaño is a public organization and one of the most important centers of art and culture in Colombia. It is used for exhibitions of plastic and visual arts, stage performances, music, literary events and audiovisual presentations. Event Rooms Capacity Name 430 Auditorium José Celestino Mutis Botanical Gardens Address: Avenida (Calle) 63 No. 68-95 Phone: (57) (1) 437 70 60 Webpage: www.jbb.gov.co/jardinbotanico/ Contact: contactenos@jbb.gov.co José Celestino Mutis Botanical Gardens are the center of the most important scientific research and development work in Colombia. There are 35 ecological zones and a collection of more than 2,300 species of native and exotic plants – a fountain of discovery of Colombia’s biodiversity. Event Rooms Name Capacity Room 50 Auditorium 100 57 Maloka Address: Carrera 68D - Calle 43 A - Salitre Phone: (57) (1) 427 27 07 Webpage: www.maloka.org The gateway to the future opens up 35ft underground, welcoming the visitor to 17,000 s.q.m of science, technology and innovation, a fascinating voyage of adventure and discovery. Event Rooms Name Capacity Meeting Rooms (2) Banquets 350 Mansión Francesa de Medina Address: Carrera 8 No. 87-85 Phone: (57) (1) 610 3035 / 618 5378 Webpage: www.mansionfrancesa.com Contact: gerencia@mansionfrancesa.com Located north-east of Bogotá, Mansión Francesa de Medina is a private house designed by a Frenchman in the mid-20th century. Both interior and exterior areas are spacious and ideal for exclusive events. Museo de Bogotá Address: Carrera 4 No. 10-18 Phone: (57) (1) 352 18 65 / 352 18 64 Webpage: www.museodebogota.gov.co Contact: mdb@scrd.gov.co This museum has temporary exhibitions and offers pedagogical events about Bogotá. Its main objective is to interpret and represent the relationships between the city and its inhabitants and the physical and social environment. 58 Museo del Chicó Address: Carrera 7 No. 93-01 Phone: (57) (1) 623 10 66 Webpage www.museodelchico.com Contact: cultura@museodelchico.com An old mansión-farmhouse restored in 1911 by Doña Mercedes Sierra Pérez, one of the wealthiest women of her day. She decorated it entirely with Works of art and antiques and wanted this grand old house to become a museum, with the 10 hectares of park around it to be used as a children’s playground. Event Rooms Capacity Name Meeting Rooms (3) 200 Banquets Museo Francisco de Paula Santander Address: Carrera 7 Nº 150-01 Phone: (57) (1) 614 75 55 / 614 15 55 Contact: casamuseosantander@gmail.com This House-Museum honors the memory of hero, General Francisco de Paula Santander, who struggled for independence. Also known as the “man of laws”. There are exhibits of his clothes, furniture, objects and documents. There are also some interesting portraits of the General and his descendants, symbols of the arms and maps of Bogotá, testimonies of the schools he founded and the specialized documentation center related to his life and Works. This occupies the second floor of Hacienda El Cedro. Event Rooms Name Auditorium Capacity 400 59 Museo Nacional Address: Carrera 7 Calles 28 y 29 Phone: (57) (1) 334 83 66, ext: 502/503 Webpage: www.museonacional.gov.co Contact: eventos@museonacional.gov.co This is Colombia’s senior museum and one of the oldest in the Americas. It houses some 20,000 pieces that form the historical and cultural heritage of Colombia. It became a National Monument for its historical and architectural value. The building is faced in stone and has a garden inside. For 72 years it was the Cundinamarca Central Prison, and in 1946 it was adapted to house the museum. Event Rooms Name Capacity Meeting Rooms (3) Auditorium 255 Parque El Renacimiento Address: Calle 26 Carrera 22 Phone: (57) (1) 660 54 00 Parque del Renacimiento is part of Bogotá’s cultural and architectural heritage, created to provide spaces for recreation and relaxation. It is strategically located at a short distance from the International Center. Cultural, musical and recreational events are held there. Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar Address: Calles 63 y 53 entre carreras 48 y 68 Phone: (57) (1) 660 0288 /660 0277 Webpage: www.idrd.gov.co With 360 hectares of open space “Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar” is the largest and most important facility of its kind. It has a number of scenarios, including the Events Area, which can hold 80,000 people and is the venue for Rock-in-the-Park, the Summer Festival and the Iberoamerican Theatre Festival. 60 Planetarium Address: Carrera 6 No. 26-07 Phone: (57) (1) 334 4546 / 334 4548 / 334 4571 ext. 414 Webpage: planetariodebogota.gov.co Contact: planetario@scrd.gov.co The Bogotá Planetarium is located at the International Center, and is part of Independence Park (Parque de la Independencia). It has two special video projectors for projecting stars – last modernized in 2008 – with improved teaching capacity for a public now increasingly demanding in the area of technology. In 2011 the Planetarium will also have a Space Museum to meet demand from the schools and the general public for pedagogical activities in relation to the universe. Plaza de los Artesanos Address: Transversal 48 No. 63A-52 Phone: (57) (1) 631 1998 / 630 4323 Contact: plazaartesanos@artesaniasdecolombia.com.co Plaza de los Artesanos covers 37,000 s.q.m. and is Colombia’s second largest fairground. A center for permanent exhibitions, events, workshops and sales of products. 61 HOTELS Bogotá Marriot Hotel Address: Avenida El Dorado No. 69B – 53 / Occidente de Bogotá Phone: (57) (1) 485 11 11 Webpage: www.latinoamerica.marriott.com Contact: carlos.gomez@marriott.com General Services 224 rooms, 15 suites, Money Exchange nearby, local restaurant meals served to your room, own laundry, room service 24 hours a day, room cleaned daily, valet service, daily newspaper in your room and in the lobby, internet WI-FI. Event Rooms Classroom Capacity Area (m2) Dimensions (m) Amatista 54 105 15 x 7 x 4 Diamante 60 120 15 x 8 x 4 Name 80 192 16 x 12 x 6 Esmeralda I, II 160 372 31 x 12 x 6 Esmeralda II 80 192 16 x 12 x 6 Jade 24 35 7x5x4 Esmeralda I 28 7x4x4 Topacio 32 49 7x7x4 Turquesa 32 49 7x7x4 28 7x4x4 Rubí Zafiro 65 Hotel Bogotá Royal Address: Carrera 8A No. 99-55 Phone: (57) (1) 657 87 87 / 634 17 77 Webpage: www.hotelesroyal.com Contact: htobon@bogotaroyal.com General Services 142 rooms, Business Center equipped with the best Internet service (free), printer, scanner, fax, copier and computer services 24 hours a day, gym, room service 24 hours a day. Event Rooms Name Colombia 66 Classroom Capacity Area (m2) 120 317 2.80 Height (m) Colombia 1 40 97 2.80 Colombia 2 40 111 2.80 Colombia 3 40 111 2.80 Colombia 1 y 2 100 207 2.80 Colombia 2 y 3 110 221 2.80 Symphony 40 151 3.00 Parque 65 97 3.10 Rembrandt 40 109 3.00 Renoir 20 56 3.00 Picasso 20 62 3.00 Miró N/A 26 3.00 Dalí N/A 31 3.00 Monet N/A 41 2.20 Orquídea N/A 37 2.00 Hotel Capital GHL Address: Avenida el Dorado No. 69A-51 Int 2 Bogotá Phone: (57) (1) 423 30 00 / Reservas: 423 30 01 / Eventos: 423 30 02 / 423 30 03 Webpage: ghlhoteles.com Contact: susana.salcedo@ghlhoteles.com General Services 215 rooms, broadband internet, business center, gym, sauna, massages, Jacuzzi, squash, parking and room service. Event Rooms Name Auditorium Capacity Area (m2) Height (m) 180 190 3.85 Belmira 60 90 3.85 Navarra 70 100 3.85 Las Aguas 40 47 2.20 Capital (Belmira y Navarra) 70 70 2.20 Salitre N/A 27 2.70 Los Arrayanes N/A 17 2.70 La Calleja N/A 19 2.70 La Candelaria Hotel Casa Dann Carlton Address: Calle 94 No. 19-71 Phone: (57) (1) 633 87 77 Webpage: www.casadann.com.co Contact: pedrocalvo@casadann.com.co General Services 237 rooms, gym, sauna, heated pool, Turkish baths, massage area, coffee shop, travel agency, parking, drug store and restaurant/bar. Event Rooms Name Classroom Capacity Britania 350 Victoria I 130 Victoria II 25 Victoria III 25 Cambridge 70 Oxford I 50 87 Oxford II 20 39 Oxford III 10 31 Imperial 35 Business 18 Area (m2) 174 67 Hotel Cosmos 100 Address: Calle 100 No. 21A - 41 Phone: (57) (1) 646 40 00 Webpage: www.cosmos100.com Contact: alexandra_cajiao@cosmos100.com General Services 300 rooms, hairdresser, Amiti Store (shop for certified emeralds), sports, pool, sauna, internet WI-FI free. Event Rooms Name Area (m2) Height (m) Sol 1 50 98 3.90 Sol 2 56 98 3.90 Sol 3 56 98 3.90 56 98 3.90 300 390 3.90 Luna 1 32 58 Luna 2 32 59 Luna 3 32 59 Luna 4 32 57 130 200 Soyuz 32 101 Sputnik 16 54 Columbia 32 101 N/A 256 Saturno I 24 52 Saturno II 24 52 Saturno III 24 52 Saturno I, II y III 70 155 Torre de Oro 80 Concordé 10 Sol 4 Sol 1, 2, 3 y 4 Luna 1, 2, 3 y 4 Soyuz, Sputnik y Columbia Apolo 68 Classroom Capacity 8 Hotel Crowne Plaza Tequendama Address: Carrera 10 No. 26-21 Phone: (57) (1) 382 0300 Webpage: www.ichotelsgroup.com Contact: jairo.agudelo@ihg.com General Services 578 rooms, spa, gym, sauna, Turkish baths, jacuzzi, business center, restaurant, bar. Event Rooms Classroom Capacity Area (m2) Height (m) Rojo (Completo) 600 1002 4.50 Rojo 1 y Rojo 2 500 659 4.50 Rojo 1 300 395 4.50 Rojo 2 180 261 4.50 Rojo Bogotá 40 91 2.75 Rojo Naciones 40 95 2.75 Rojo Británico 60 131 2.75 180 388 3.20 Name Esmeralda (Completo) Esmeralda I 40 98 3.20 Esmeralda II 120 287 3.20 Bolívar (Completo) 180 351 2.75 Bolívar 1 60 104 2.75 Bolívar 2 80 186 2.75 Bolívar 3 60 114 2.75 Monserrate 180 357 2.70 Presidencial 70 158 2.45 Galería Versailles 80 124 5.90 Guadalupe 70 101 2.90 Golfistas 60 95 2.40 Cincuentenario 30 78 2.40 Empresarial N/A 32 2.40 Ejecutivos N/A 32 2.40 Pioneros N/A 32 2.40 Corporativo N/A 32 2.40 Libertadores N/A 32 2.40 Excelencia N/A 32 2.40 Logísticos 1 N/A 24 2.40 Logísticos 2 N/A 24 2.40 Gerencial N/A 24 2.40 69 Hotel de La Ópera Address: Calle 10 No. 5-72 La Candelaria Phone: (57) (1) 336 20 66 / 336 52 85 Webpage: www.hotelopera.com.co Contact: comercial@hotelopera.com.co General Services 42 rooms, spa, pools, jacuzzi, Turkish baths, sauna, massage area, gym, beauty salon, two restaurants (Colombian, international, Mediterranean and Italian). Event Rooms Name Classroom Capacity Capacity Name Scala Externa N/A Chimenea Scala Interna N/A Bóveda 25 90 Cúpula 12 N/A Venecia 4 Amalfi Patio Colonial N/A Hotel Estelar La Fontana Address: Avenida 127 No. 15A-10 Phone: (57) (1) 615 44 00 Webpage: www.hotelesestelar.com Contact: luisaf.franco@hotelesestelar.com General Services 215 rooms, internet WI-FI, 2 restaurants (international and Mediterranean), business center, fitness center and room service 24 hours a day. Event Rooms Classroom Capacity Area (m2) Height (m) 90 180 3.60 Estelar 110 125 2.50 Cigarra 80 170 4.00 Florero 50 110 3.60 Nueva Granada 40 84 2.40 Bogotá 25 63 2.50 Santa Fé 30 70 2.20 Alcalá 20 55 3.00 Segovia 20 55 3.00 Toleda 20 55 3.00 La Tertulia 20 105 2.60 Bosque 20 63 2.50 La Candelaria 15 39 2.60 La Calleja 15 39 2.60 La Castellana 15 39 2.60 Name Fontana 70 Hotel JW Marriott Address: Calle 73 No. 8 - 60 Phone: (57) (1) - 4856000 Webpage: www.marriott.com/bogjw Contact: carlos.gomez@marriott.com General Services 264 rooms (143 king size, 96 twin full size, 24 junior suites and 1 presidential suite), restaurant, bar, health club with Turkish baths, internet WI-FI, room service 24 hours a day, pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. Event Rooms Name Classroom Capacity Area (m2) 200 335 Real I 60 110 Real II 60 115 Real III 60 110 Ebano I and II 50 83 Ebano I N/A 25 Ebano II 25 53 Ceiba I and II 62 104 Ceiba I 25 52 Ceiba II 25 52 N/A 19 Real I, II and III Macondo Boar Room 71 Hotel Radisson Royal Address: Calle 113 No. 7-65 Phone: (57) (1) 657 87 09 Webpage: www.hotelesroyal.com Contact: morjuela@radissonroyal.com General Services 251 rooms, internet WI-FI, 2 restaurants, 2 bars, club spa, gym, heated pool, Turkish baths, Jacuzzi, hairdresser, massage area. Event Rooms Classroom Capacity Area (m2) Height (m) Millenium 90 220 2.58 Foyer 35 117 2.40 Robles 70 153 2.44 Tulipanes 40 97 2.44 Ciprés 24 45 2.44 Caobos 24 46 2.44 Sauces 12 40 2.44 Cedro 80 96 2.90 Platino 40 85 2.30 Meeting Room 10 35 2.44 Name Hotel Rosales Plaza Address: Calle 71A No. 5-47 Phone: (57) (1) 317 11 00 Webpage: www.hotelrosalesplaza.com Contact: mercadeo@hotelrosalesplaza.com General Services Internet WI-FI, restaurant, bar, room service 24 hours, laundry service, business center. 61 rooms - 6 junior suites and 55 standard with 30 and 33 s.q.m, single, double or triple accommodation. Wireless internet, comfortable working areas, Room service 24 hours. Event Rooms Name 72 Classroom Capacity Nukak 40 Embera 12 Wittoto 16 Tikuna 40 Tikuna y Wittoto 65 Hotel Sheraton Address: Avenida El Dorado No. 69C - 83 Phone: (57) (1) 210 50 00 / 210 50 01 Webpage: www.ghlhoteles.com Contact: reservas.sheratonbogota@ghl.com.co General Services 247 rooms, room service 24 hours, airport VIP reception and transfer to hotel, shuttle every 20 minutes, convention room, foyer and 5 meeting rooms, business center, wireless internet, parking, gym, pool, Jacuzzi and spa. Event Rooms Name Gran Salón Santafé Auditorium Capacity Dimensions (m) Height (m) 1.000 40 x 25 5.5 Santafé 1 333 13.22 x 25 5.5 Santafé 2 333 13.22 x 25 5.5 Santafé 3 333 13.22 x 25 5.5 Cocuy 77 12.3 x 6.2 2.3 Mu Tata 27 3.5 x 7.5 2.3 Pocora 24 3.5 x 6.7 2.3 Cataca 35 5.8 x 6 2.3 Soata 11 3.6 x 3.0 2.3 Susacon 11 3.6 x 3.0 2.3 Tausa 40 8.0 x 8.5 2.3 73 Hotel Suites Jones Address: Calle 61 No. 5-39 Phone: (57) (1) 592 36 36 Webpage: www.hotelesestelar.com Contact: marial.palacio@hotelesestelar.com General Services Restaurant (international), bar, concierge specialized in the organization and coordination of events and visits to main tourist attractions.), business center, internet WIFI, travel agency, laundry, medical services, room service 24 hours and parking. Event Rooms Nombre Classroom Capacity Área (m2) Altura (m) Estelar 90 127 2.65 Jones 60 70 2.47 Arco 15 46 2.64 Siam 32 68 2.23 Almirante 26 68 2.20 Paipa 32 68 2.20 Colinas 32 68 2.20 Hotel Summit Bogotá Plaza Address: Calle 100 No. 18A-30 Phone: (57) (1) 632 22 00 / 632 22 33 / 632 22 37 Webpage: www.bogotaplazahotel.com Contact: gm@bogotaplazahotel.com General Services 190 rooms, broadband internet, business center, gym, sauna, aesthetic center, jacuzzi, hairdresser and parking. 74 Hotel Windsor House Address: Calle 95 No. 9 – 97 Phone: (57) (1) 634 36 30 Webpage: www.ghlhoteles.com Contact: fernanda.lozano@ghlhoteles.com General Services 127 rooms, internet WI-FI, room service 24 hours a day, medical assistance parking, bar, restaurant, gym, massage area, Turkish baths and business center. Event Rooms Auditorium Capacity Nombre Área (m2) 250 249 London 90 123 Oxford 50 69 100 300 50 56 N/A 40 Bond Club Cambridge Gales Meeting Room Suites 101 Park House Address: Carrera 21 No. 101-10 Phone: (57) (1) 600 01 01 Webpage: www.101parkhouse.com Contact: mercadeo@101parkhouse.com General Services Internet WIFI, fireplace in rooms, spa, Jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish baths, business center, room service 24 hours a day, currency exchange. Hotel Suites 101 Park House has tour meeting rooms and a maximum capacity of 160. Natural light throughout and terrace with a park view. Rooms have air-conditioning and electric curtain mechanism. The terrace has gas heaters, luxury fittings and torches. Full advisory services available. Event Rooms Classroom Capacity Área (m2) Altura (m) 100 151 2.5 Parque 70 151 2.5 Parque 1 40 64 2.5 Parque 2 20 35 2.5 Verano 30 52 2.5 Primavera 24 48 2.45 Otoño 26 48 2.45 Nombre Gran Parque 75 Professional Events Organizers —OPC— Aviatur Address: Avenida Jiménez No. 4-50 (Segundo Piso) Phone: (57) (1) 3 817 111 Webpage: www.aviatur.com Contact: mercadeo@aviatur.com.co Gema Tours Address: Calle 67 No. 6-60 Of. 404 Phone: (57) (1) 3 465 025 / 3 458 053 Webpage: www.gematours.com Contact: lucydiazgranados@gematours.com Sphera Producciones Address: Calle 90 No. 12-45 (Piso Quinto) Phone: (57) (1) 5 604 613 Webpage: www.makingeventsopc.com Contact: info@makingeventsopc.com Making Events Address: Carrera 30 No. 35-48 Sur Phone: (57) (1) 5 604 613 Webpage: www.makingeventsopc.com Contact: info@makingeventsopc.com Panamericana de Viajes Address: Carrera 11A No. 93A-80 Of. 104 Phone: (57) (1) 6 500 400 Webpage: www.panamericanadeviajes.com Contact: natalia.velez@panamericanadeviajes.com Quimbaya Tours Address: Calle 98 No. 21-36 Of. 206 Phone: (57) (1) 6 045 562 / 6 045 108 Webpage: www.quimbaya-tours.com Contact: colombia@quimbaya-tours.com 76