Cartagena was named Best International Destination at the Food and Travel Readers Awards Mexico, solidifying its position as one of the most attractive and competitive tourism destinations in the world. This recognition, awarded through direct voting by readers of one of the industry’s most influential publications, reinforces the city’s global standing as a leading destination for cultural, historical, and high-value tourism.
The award was presented on March 26 during the official ceremony held at the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center in Mexico, in an event that brought together leaders from the tourism industry, specialized media, and representatives of international destinations. In that setting, Cartagena not only stood out but also surpassed well-established destinations from Europe and Asia, including London, Berlin, Austria, and Turkey, highlighting a shift in global travel preferences toward more authentic and culturally meaningful experiences.
The award is granted by Food and Travel, an international publication founded in the United Kingdom in 1997 with editions in several countries, which has established itself as a global benchmark in travel and lifestyle journalism.
This recognition is not an isolated achievement but the result of a strategic evolution. Cartagena has successfully positioned itself as the best international destination that combines its historical richness with a contemporary offering of premium services, capable of attracting increasingly discerning travelers. Its proposal integrates heritage, gastronomy, luxury, and cultural experiences into a cohesive narrative that goes beyond the traditional tourist visit.
An award shaped by real traveler experiences
The Food and Travel Readers Awards stand out for their participatory nature and for being based on the direct experiences of travelers. Unlike other awards determined by expert panels, this recognition is built on the perceptions of thousands of people who have visited the destinations, giving it a high level of credibility within the industry.
The process begins with an open call in which readers nominate their favorite destinations across different categories. This phase captures emerging trends and broadens the diversity of options beyond traditionally dominant locations. Subsequently, an editorial team conducts a rigorous curation to define the nominees, evaluating criteria such as service quality, innovation, authenticity, sustainability, and consistency in the overall travel experience.
In the final stage, an online voting process is opened, allowing thousands of travelers to participate. This model makes the award a reliable indicator of contemporary travel behavior, where personal recommendations and lived experiences play a decisive role in decision-making.
In this context, Cartagena stood out not only for its scenic beauty but also for its ability to offer a comprehensive experience that resonates emotionally with visitors. The city has successfully responded to the expectations of a global tourism market that increasingly prioritizes authenticity, quality, and cultural connection over standardized experiences. Its success also reflects a broader shift in how destinations are evaluated, where storytelling, immersion, and emotional engagement are as important as infrastructure.
Cartagena versus Europe and Asia: a unique narrative that stands out
Outperforming iconic destinations from Europe and Asia represents a significant milestone in Cartagena’s consolidation as a global destination. Cities like London and Berlin boast highly developed tourism infrastructures and a strong presence in the global imagination, while countries such as Austria and Turkey combine centuries of history with sophistication and cultural depth.
However, Cartagena has managed to stand out by embracing its own identity. Its greatest strength lies in its authenticity: a city that does not attempt to replicate external models but instead enhances its Caribbean essence as a defining value. Its colonial architecture, historic walls, plazas, and vibrant daily life create a fully immersive sensory experience that connects deeply with visitors.
This positioning is also the result of a broader international promotion strategy. This recognition also responds to the international promotion strategy led by ProColombia – a Colombian government agency responsible for promoting the country internationally – under the narrative “Colombia, the Country of Beauty,” which seeks to highlight the sophistication of destinations like Cartagena by integrating historical richness with a premium tourism offering.
The diversification of its tourism offering has also been crucial. Cartagena is not only its historic center; it is also a destination that offers island experiences, culinary tourism, wellness, culture, and luxury. This breadth allows it to attract a wide range of travelers and adapt to evolving global tourism dynamics, particularly as demand grows for personalized and experience-driven travel.
Another key factor is human warmth. The interaction with local communities, their hospitality, and their ability to share stories enrich the visitor experience and create a lasting emotional bond. In a global context where personalization and authenticity are increasingly valued, this human component becomes a powerful competitive advantage that differentiates Cartagena from more standardized destinations.
Gastronomy, luxury, and experiences: Cartagena’s evolving identity
Cartagena’s positioning as an ambassador of Colombia’s tourism sophistication is supported by a premium service offering that has evolved significantly in recent years. The city has attracted investment in high-end hospitality, exclusive experiences, and international events that elevate its profile within the global tourism market.
Recent events such as the SUMAQ festival — an international gastronomic and cultural event that celebrates cuisine, creativity, and cultural exchange, often with a strong focus on Latin American flavors and high-level culinary experiences — held in March and featuring the participation of the Marcon family—holders of three Michelin Stars—have strengthened its image as a destination for cutting-edge experiences. Initiatives like this position Cartagena not only as a historical destination but also as a contemporary hub for culture, gastronomy, and luxury, attracting global attention from travelers and industry experts alike.
In the culinary sphere, the city continues to consolidate its status as a regional benchmark. Restaurants such as Celele, led by chef Jaime Rodríguez, have ranked among the best in Latin America according to specialized rankings, standing out for their focus on local ingredients and innovative techniques. This gastronomic evolution not only enhances the visitor experience but also projects the cultural identity of the Colombian Caribbean onto the global stage.
The combination of tradition and innovation has allowed Cartagena to differentiate itself in a highly competitive market. The city offers everything from high-end dining experiences to more traditional culinary expressions that preserve its cultural roots, creating a diverse and authentic offering that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers.
A recognition that redefines Colombia’s tourism landscape
The impact of this award extends beyond Cartagena and projects onto Colombia’s image on the international stage. As a reflection of the growing competitiveness of Colombian tourism globally, this recognition positions the city as a symbol of sophistication, quality, and cultural richness.
ProColombia emphasized the significance of this achievement as a strategic milestone for the country. As highlighted by Infobae, the organization’s president, Carmen Caballero, stated: “This award is a direct recognition of the magic, history, and world-class infrastructure that Cartagena offers. For ProColombia, “this achievement confirms that our Caribbean jewel is a strategic pillar of high-value tourism, capable of competing with and surpassing some of the most iconic destinations in Europe and Asia. Being chosen by readers over destinations such as London and Berlin confirms that Cartagena is today a sustainable luxury destination and a highly competitive player on the global stage”.
This statement underscores the importance of coordination between the public and private sectors in tourism development. International promotion, infrastructure investment, workforce training, and sustainability are key pillars in maintaining and expanding these achievements over time.
However, this recognition also brings challenges. Increased international visibility raises travelers’ expectations, who demand consistently high-quality experiences aligned with the destination’s global reputation. This requires strategic planning to ensure sustainable growth and to prevent issues such as overtourism, environmental strain, or loss of cultural identity.
Cartagena now faces a defining opportunity to leverage this recognition to strengthen its tourism offering, diversify its products, and continue investing in innovation and quality. The award is not an endpoint but the beginning of a new phase in which the city must demonstrate that its appeal extends beyond a single moment of recognition and can be sustained over time.
In a world where destinations compete for the attention of increasingly informed and demanding travelers, Cartagena has proven that authenticity, history, and adaptability can make a decisive difference. Its recognition at the Food and Travel Readers Awards Mexico not only validates its present but also projects its future as one of the most relevant destinations in global tourism, provided it continues to pursue balanced, inclusive, and experience-driven development strategies that benefit both visitors and local communities alike.