Five cities in Colombia have been nominated in the cultural category of the 2025 World Travel Awards, widely regarded as the “Oscars of Tourism.” The Latin America awards ceremony will take place on September 27, 2025, in Cancun, Mexico.
The World Travel Awards (WTA), one of the most prestigious honors in the global tourism industry, has unveiled the list of nominated destinations for its 2025 edition. Among the finalists are Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Cali, and Barranquilla—five cities that exemplify Colombia’s cultural, historical, and tourism richness.
This year, the WTA also announced that the global Grand Final will be held for the first time in Bahrain. The event is scheduled for December 9, 2025, at the iconic Exhibition World Bahrain, where leaders from across the global travel and tourism sector will gather to celebrate excellence in the industry.
These awards honor the best in tourism worldwide, recognizing destinations, hotels, airlines, tourism boards, attractions, and experiences across multiple categories such as culture, nature, business, adventure, and hospitality. Regional ceremonies are held throughout the year before the winners advance to the global final.
Colombian cities nominated for the 2025 World Travel Awards
Bogota:
The Colombian capital stands out as one of the most versatile destinations on the continent, with nominations in several key categories:
- South America’s Leading Business Travel Destination
- South America’s Leading City Break Destination
- South America’s Leading Urban Destination
- South America’s Leading Cultural City Destination
- South America’s Leading Festival & Event Destination
- South America’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination
- South America’s Leading City Tourist Board (Bogotá District Tourism Institute)
- South America’s Leading Airport (El Dorado International Airport)
- South America’s Leading Airport Lounge (El Dorado Lounge)
Medellin:
The “City of Eternal Spring” continues to build its reputation as a hub for innovation, culture, and international events:
- South America’s Leading Business Travel Destination
- South America’s Leading City Break Destination
- South America’s Leading Cultural Destination
- South America’s Leading Festival & Event Destination
- South America’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination
Cartagena de Indias
The gem of Colombia’s Caribbean coast is celebrated for its romance, rich history, and luxury tourism offerings:
- South America’s Leading Cultural Destination
- South America’s Most Romantic Destination
- South America’s Leading Honeymoon Destination
- South America’s Leading Cruise Port
- South America’s Leading City Tourist Board (Cartagena de Indias Tourism Corporation)
- South America’s Leading Hotel (Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena)
- South America’s Leading Hotel Suite (Suite Grau at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena)
Barranquilla
The capital of the Atlántico department, known for its vibrant Carnival and joyful spirit, is nominated in:
- South America’s Leading Cultural Destination
- South America’s Leading Festival & Event Destination
- South America’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination
Cali
The world’s salsa capital also shines on the international tourism scene with two major nominations:
- South America’s Leading Cultural Destination
- South America’s Leading Sports Tourism Destination
Other destinations nominated across Colombia
In addition to the five main cities, other notable Colombian destinations have also received nominations for the 2025 World Travel Awards:
San Andres and Providencia: Nominated as South America’s Leading Beach Destination
Tayrona National Natural Park: Recognized for its ecological diversity, idyllic beaches, and connection to Indigenous cultures
San Agustin, Huila: Highlighted for its archaeological richness and historical legacy
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: Celebrated for its biodiversity and sustainable tourism practices
Nuqui and Bahia Malaga (Choco and Valle del Cauca): Nominated as South America’s Best Whale Watching Destination
Chicamocha Canyon, Santander: Recognized for its adventure sports offerings such as paragliding and rafting