Candelaria, Valle del Cauca, Colombia.- On June 6, 2025, the World Organization of Tourism Journalism (OMPT) will convene the 6th International Forum of Tourism Journalists and Leaders, marking World Digital Solidarity Day. Held as a hybrid event in Candelaria, host city of this year’s celebration, the Forum underscores the vital role of digital collaboration in promoting responsible tourism and cultural exchange across the Americas.
The day opens at 8:30 a.m. in the auditorium of the Escuela de la Música in Candelaria, where local and national anthems set a ceremonial tone. Mayor Gessica Vallejo will deliver welcoming remarks, followed by addresses from William Cosme, Secretary of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism of Candelaria, and John Edwin Andrade Salcedo, President of the Municipal Council.
At 9 a.m., OMPT Director General Kevin Casanova and Norma Reina, President of Morada al Sur, will officially inaugurate the Forum and present details of the 10th Pasaporte Abierto Award and the 14th International Congress of Tourism Journalists and Professionals to be held in Nariño.
A virtual inauguration from Mexico City will precede the launch of the digital campaign #SigueConTuVida and the presentation of the new book Digital Solidarity (2025) by Miguel Ledhesma, OMPT’s founding president and architect of World Digital Solidarity Day.
Throughout the morning, participants will explore topics such as the balance between digital reach and social commitment in travel journalism with Katerina Mandrygina, the importance of digital solidarity with Ramón Chávez, and the concept of “empathetic travel” with marketing specialist Míriam Martínez Posada. Felipe João Gremelmaier will introduce the theme of the 15th International Congress—“Tourism That Moves, History That Inspires”—while Irina Grassmann reflects on language and storytelling in tourism.
Additional sessions will address OMPT’s own digital and non-digital solidarity practices with Izela Noriega, followed by a discussion of artificial intelligence as a tool for client-centered tourism strategies by Andrés Álvarez Cortez. A virtual closing by Yenny Polanco Lovera, President of Adompretur, will lead into the announcement of the 2025 Pasaporte Abierto nominees.
After a spotlight presentation on how the Destinos 90 communication strategy advances development in Valle del Cauca, experts will debate the public-private tourism partnership in Guadalajara de Buga, inclusive and accessible tourism with Norma Reina of Morada al Sur, and data-driven planning for connectivity and territorial development with Carlos Martínez. The Forum concludes at noon with a cultural performance and refreshments, celebrating the spirit of digital solidarity in tourism journalism.
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