Guaviare an opportunity to invest in tourism

1. I T ’ S T I M E T O I N V E S T I N C O L O M B I A . C O M . C O
GuaviareA N O P P O R T U N I T Y T O
I N V E S T I N T O U R I S M
2019

3. In 2018, FDI reached US $11.01 billion, with 78% concentrated in the
non-mining and non-energy sector.
Colombia’s economy is estimated to grow 3.5% in 2019.
Colombia is part of the OECD, which provides more confidence for
investors.
Colombia has over 100 free trade zones, more than any other country in
Latin America.
There is a growing middle class with high purchasing power.
Through free trade agreements, Colombia has access to 60 countries with more
than 1.5 billion consumers.
There are more incentives to promote foreign direct investment in Colombia.
A FAVORABLE INVESTMENT
CLIMATE IN COLOMBIA

4. Tourism is the second largest generator of foreign income in Colombia, equal to
12.73% of total exports (2018).
In 2018, 4.2 million non-resident foreigners visited Colombia.
The number of foreign travelers visiting Colombia increased by 8% in
2018 (3% increase in the Americas).
In 2018, tourism’s share of Colombia’s GDP grew by 3.1%.
Tourism generated more than 1.9 million jobs in Colombia in 2018.
25 airlines connect Colombia with 25 different countries, with more than 1,000
weekly international flights.
From 2010 to 2018, 228 hotels opened, offering 23,403 new rooms.
Between 2019 and 2020, more than 11,000 new rooms will be built.
There are more incentives to develop the hospitality sector, which will benefit travelers.
TOURISM IS A DRIVER FOR
DEVELOPMENT IN COLOMBIA

5. Special 9% income tax rate for 20 years in municipalities with up to
200,000 inhabitants for new, remodeled, or expanded hotels, theme
parks, ecotourism, agritourism parks, and new waterfront docks*.
Non-resident foreigners in Colombia are VAT exempted and are
reimbursed in hospitality and tourism services.
INCENTIVES EVOLVE TO PROMOTE NEW
HOTEL DEVELOPMENTS AND TOURISM PROJECTS
*Note: Income tax for 2019 is 33%
VAT in Colombia is 19%

6. Those who make new
investments in Colombia, with
a value equal to or greater
than 30.000.000 UVT
(aprox. USD 342
millones), and that
generate at least 250 direct
jobs, can enjoy the following
benefits:
OPPORTUNITIES FOR
MEGA INVESTMENTS
LABOR
INCENTIVES
Income tax at 27% (except for the hotel income tax
that will remain at 9%)
Fixed assets will be able to depreciate for a minimum
period of 2 years, independent of the asset’s service
life.
They will not be subject to presumptive income tax.
They will not be subject to wealth tax.
A legal and fiscal stability regime will be created to
allow investors to maintain benefits in case of
unfavorable modifications to the regime, in exchange
for a payment of 0.75% of the value of the
investment, made each year for a 5-year period.
Investments in hydrocarbons and mining are excluded
from this regime.
Incentives to hire people with disabilities to obtain
income tax deductions.
Parafiscal contributions and other payroll contributions
can be discounted from companies’ income tax.
First 40,000 jobs: subsidy to companies that hire young
people aged 18 to 28.
Exemption from payments to Caja de Compensación
Familiar (family welfare fund)

7. I T ’ S T I M E T O I N V E S T I N C O L O M B I A . C O M . C O
2030VisionF O R G U A V I A R E
Our 2030 vision for Guaviare places
responsible tourism as the central focus to
promote world-class tourism, preserving natural
and cultural heritage based on a distinctive
and sustainable development model.

8. THE DEPARTMENT
OF GUAVIARE
Capital: San José del Guaviare
Area: 53,460 km²
Population (2018 estimate):
115,829 inhabitants
Average temperature: 25°C
has forests, savannahs,
rivers, cave art, and
indigenous communities.
It is located in the Amazon
region of Colombia and it
is divided into 4
municipalities: San José del
Guaviare, Miraflores,
Calamar, and El Retorno.

9. GENERAL
INFORMATION
It is bordered by the Guayabero and Guaviare Rivers to the
north, which separate it from the departments of Meta and
Vichada. Guaviare shares a border with the departments of
Guainía and Vaupés to the east, Vaupés and Caquetá to the
south, and Caquetá and Meta to the west.
Guaviare belongs to the Orinoquía tourist corridor, along with the departments of
Guainía, Vaupés, and Vichada.
*A tourist corridor is a homogeneous area where the proximity of tourist attractions and services
complement each other. The government has adopted these corridors as a management and regional
tourism promotion strategy.
Calamar
San José del Guaviare
El Retorno
Miraflores
Serranía La Lindosa
Pozos Naturales
Balneario Tranquilandia
Túneles
Ciudad de Piedra
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

10. • Its geography combines sandy soil, flatlands and
rolling hills, savannahs, and mountain ranges.
• Guaviare is a region with jungles, ancestral stories,
adventure, culture, and a native population; various
indigenous settlements are home to puinaves, nukaks,
guahibos, guayaberos, cubeos, sikuanis, piratapuyos,
desanos, tucanos, curripacos, carijonas, and arawaks.
• Guaviare offers opportunities for visitors from all over
the world to explore various landscapes, caves, river
rapids, and the indigenous history of this eastern
Colombian region.
• Visitors can interact with indigenous communities and
learn about their traditions and beliefs.
• Biologists and conservationists agree that Guaviare
has some of the most important natural areas in the
eastern Colombian region.
• Guaviare could be described in a single word:
discovery.
GUAVIARE,
AN ADVENTURE FULL OF SURPRISES

11. GDP BY ECONOMIC
ACTIVITY
36.5%
19.9%
17.9%
10.7%
4.5%
10.5%
Public administration
and defense...........................
Agriculture, livestock, hunting,
forestry, and fishing.................
Wholesale and retail...............
Construction...........................
Real estate activities................
Other....................................

12. LAND
CONNECTIVITY
CONNECTIVITY
AIR AND LAND
IN 2018, GUAVIARE RECEIVED 15,967 VISITORS WHO
ARRIVED ON REGULAR DOMESTIC FLIGHTS, A 19.9%
INCREASE COMPARED TO 2017.
A road connects the cities of San José del Guaviare (Guaviare capital) and Bogotá, passing through
Villavicencio.
The route is 401 kilometers; travel time is approximately 7 hours and 10 minutes.
La Macarena is the operating bus company in San José del Guaviare.
AIR
CONNECTIVITY
Guaviare’s main airport is in San José del Guaviare (Jorge E. González T Airfield), with connections to Bogotá.
Satena is the operating airline in the region; it offers 4 weekly flights.

13. SAN JOSÉ DEL GUAVIARE
Cities: 1
Flights: 4
Airlines: 1
PUERTO CARREÑO
Cities: 2
Flights: 7
Airlines:1
PUERTO INÍRIDA
Cities: 2
Flights: 9
Airlines: 1
MITÚ
Cities: 2
Flights: 5
Airlines: 1
ORINOQUIA
CORRIDOR CONNECTIVITY
Colombia cities:
Villavicencio and Bogotá
Intraregional connections:
Mitú/Villavicencio; Puerto Inírida/Villavicencio; Puerto Carreño/Villavicencio
San José
del Guaviare
Puerto Carreño
Puerto Inírida
Mitu

14. More than 15 travel
agencies and operators
offer their services in the
region.
Nature and Adventure
Ecotourism
Birdwatching
Interpretative trails – Trekking
Culture - Architecture
Ethno-tourism and indigenous
communities
Handicrafts
MAINTOURISM PRODUCTS
IN THE REGION

15. Water streams of various colors flow
through underground wells and grottoes
carved into the rocks. According to
scientists, this natural phenomenon is due
to the surrounding minerals and
vegetation, and now offers a setting for
rest and recreation. Crystal waters
descend from the mountains; animals,
including birds and mammals, and
plants, such as mosses and ferns,
complement this nature adventure. The
attraction is located 8 km from San José
del Guaviare, on the Nuevo Tolima road.
Natural wells:
Tunnels:
"Rock formations in positions that defy gravity" is how visitors
have described one of the most appealing attractions in
Guaviare’s capital. Visitors will also find enigmatic caves,
biodiversity, and a scenery that commands respect, care,
and admiration for nature.
TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS

16. Tranquilandia Natural Spa:
This natural spa, in the riverside area of
Caño Retiro, is a place full of vegetation
and recreation in a natural environment.
Experts assert that the phenomenon is
produced by the growth of freshwater
algae. In this area waterfalls, wells, shrubs,
mosses, and lichens are also found.
This mountainous area is home to images
painted on murals by indigenous people who
inhabited the region 7,250 years ago. Cave
art depicts hunting and fishing, real and
imaginary creatures, human copulation and
pregnancy, and utensils for basketry and
weaving. Its slabs create niches and
microenvironments, typical of the
biogeography of the Orinoquía and the
Amazon regions.
Serranía La Lindosa:
This lithic natural landscape is one of the most
appreciated tourist attractions of Guaviare’s
capital and dates back to the Precambrian
period, according to experts.
The rocks’ positions seem to defy the laws of
physics to form labyrinths, caves, walls, streets,
monuments, and passages, turning this
attraction into a research hub and the
birthplace of ancient legends.
Ciudad de Piedra:

17. GUAVIARE HAS GREAT
POTENTIAL FOR HOTEL DEVELOPMENTS
FOCUSED ON ECOTOURISM
HOTEL ROOMS BEDS
The department of Guaviare has approximately 16 hotels in operation.
The department has approximately 341 rooms, with approximately 470 beds in total.
There are three accommodation options: 16 traditional hotels, in good condition; 2 apartment hotels; and
other types of tourist accommodations. Almost all visitor accommodations are located in Guaviare’s capital.
The main hotel areas in Guaviare are: San José del Guaviare / El Retorno
47 86HOTEL EL AEROPUERTO
HOTEL QUINTO NIVEL
HOTEL SAN JOSE CAPITAL
HOTEL DEL CARIBE
HOTEL YURUPARI
HOTEL SAN PEDRO SUITE
HOTEL CAMPESTRE PALMA REAL
HOTEL PORTAL DEL TRIUNFO
HOTEL EL PORTICO SUITE
HOTEL EL VIAJERO SAN JOSE
HOTEL COLOMBIA GGD
HOTEL LOS ANGELES DE SAN JOSE
HOTEL PANORAMA DEL GUAVIARE
HOTEL LA FONTANA DEL GUAVIARE
HOTEL TROPICAL ORION.
RESIDENCIA Y RESTAURANTE WIMPPY
36 36
30 45
27 28
24 29
24 40
20 42
18 20
18 24
18 20
15 19
14 16
14 17
12 16
12
12
14
18
Opportunities to invest in areas that make the most of the region’s natural biodiversity
• Ecolodges
• Glamping
• Specialized birdwatching accommodation

18. SUCCESS STORY
Develop an ecoturism farm focused on
sustainable and community tourism.
This is the most advanced ecotourism
project in the region.
It encourages the preservation of natural
resources and respect for cultural assets.
Currently, the farm has operational capacity
to host up to 70 people in camping areas,
8 people in bunk beds, and 1 private room.
It is located at Km 11 on the national road
in Vereda El Retiro.
The property offers the opportunity for tours
to see waterfalls, lookout points, caves, and
natural bridges, among others.
Investment to build treehouses, taking advantage of
the property and region’s birdwatching potential.
Development of glamping accommodation to take
advantage of the property’s 36 hectares.
Finca Ecoturística La Pradera
S a n J o s é d e l G u a v i a r e
* Everything will be carried out according to the highest sustainability
standards that generate the lowest environmental impact
Investment Opportunity

19. I T ’ S T I M E T O I N V E S T I N C O L O M B I A . C O M . C O
GuaviareM A I N A R E A S W I T H
I N V E S T M E N T O P P O R T U N I T I E S
Guaviare has been the stage for coexistence
between man and nature. Centuries of human
evolution and periods of geographical
transformations have defined the
characterization of the department as a tourist
destination for all nature, conservation,
adventure, and wildlife lovers.

20. VARIETY OF TOURIST AREA
TO DEVELOP HOTEL
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
The development of hotel infrastructure in the region will occur
mainly in San José del Guaviare and nearby areas outside of
protected zones.
San José del Guaviare

21. I T ’ S T I M E T O I N V E S T I N C O L O M B I A . C O M . C O
GuaviareR E G I O N A L P L A N S F O R G R O W T H
A N D D E V E L O P M E N T

22. Greater international promotion of multiculturalism to
attract more non-resident visitors to the department
Better use of the region's biodiversity by developing
sustainable and responsible tourism
Better connectivity of the region via land, river, and
air transport
Diversification of tourism products focused on
natural and cultural heritage
Preservation of natural, multicultural, and multi-ethnic
heritage
Greater innovation and business development in the
tourism sector
Improved training and involvement of talented
people required in the tourism sector
2030 GOALS
FOR GUAVIARE

23. HIGH-IMPACT PROJECTS
FOR THE REGION’S DEVELOPMENT
Bilingual training programs for
80 people, including tourism
police and local guides, in
San José de Guaviare.
In July 2019, Serranía del
Chibiriquete National Natural
Park flyovers will begin, with
San José del Guaviare as an
operational base.
Currently, the Colombian
Institute of Anthropology and
History is taking steps to
organize a
nationally-recognized
archaeological park in the
Serranía de la Lindosa.

24. HOW TO SUCCEED IN
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT ?
HOW TO REDUCE
THE ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT?
Implementing a sustainable management system
Complying with regulations
Training employees to use sustainable practices
Ensuring customer satisfaction
Being assertive with advertising material, grassroots
design and development
Understanding the context
Creating communication strategies, ensuring health
and safety standards
Preserving local resources
Reducing pollution
Implementing a waste management plan
Avoiding the use of contaminating products
(pesticides, paint, chemicals)
Supporting protected and high biodiversity areas
Source: El Equipo Mazzanti

25. HOW TO HAVE A
POSITIVE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC
IMPACT?
HOW TO PROTECT
CULTURAL HERITAGE?
Supporting local community development, creating
jobs for locals
Establishing fair trade criteria, supporting local
entrepreneurs
Respecting local culture, avoiding exploitation of
resources, hiring fairly and equally
Protecting employees, offering basic services
Creating behavioral guidelines to foster respect for
local practices
Avoiding the modification of historical elements by
preventing their sale, exchange, or exhibition
Protecting historical, archeological, cultural, or
spiritual tourist sites
ncorporating local culture and respecting intellectual
property in this process
Source: El Equipo Mazzanti

26. WE WOULD LIKEGUAVIARE TO BE
Recognized for being a region
that focuses on sustainable
tourism development and
positioning itself internationally as
a nature and adventure
destination, due to the great
diversity of flora and fauna and
Colombia’s oldest
archaeological treasures.

28. I T ’ S T I M E T O I N V E S T I N C O L O M B I A . C O M . C O
Guaviare
Leaving a positive legacy of social
development, economic growth, and
preservation of cultural and natural heritage is
possible with strategic and committed partners.
The sustainable transformation of Guaviare is
A CALL TO EVERYONE.
This material was prepared for informational purposes only.
Circulation, use, copies, or distribution is not allowed.
V I S I T