Colombia is a biodiversity hotspot, a country with enormous richness of plants, animals and ethnic populations. This is a proven winning combination for growing tourism. The current tourism national sector plan 2018 to 2022 for Columbia identifies nature tourism as critical for Columbia's growth and it's stressed the need for creating more differentiated high-value tourism products that are linked to nature and culture. The state of Nariño is located in the southwest of Colombia.
Nariño's population of 1.7 million is concentrated in the cities of Pasto in the centre, Ipiales in the south and Chumaco in the south pacific region. Unemployment in Nariño has been declining since 2010 and at 7% is lower than the national average. Tourism is a monosolid sector of the Nariño economy with excellent growth opportunities. The Pasto Airport receives approximately 230,000 visitors annually and this number is growing each year.
Nariño's nature tourism strategy, an initiative from the local government, GGGI and SMA Tourism with financial backing from the Kingdom of Norway, has identified three competitive advantages. The first advantage is that the Nariño Airport is a very safe and are the diverse landscapes and ecosystems within a relatively small area, from volcanoes reaching elevations of more than 4,700 metres above sea level to cloud forests, beaches and mangroves. The second advantage is shown in the many forms of water resources, such as the countless rivers, waterfalls, lagoons, wetlands and thermal springs, not forgetting the Pacific Ocean that washes its shores.
You really don't have to worry about the water, Nariño is also home to the second largest body of water in Colombia, La Concha Lake. The third advantage is the cultural diversity of the communities living harmoniously, side by side, in these diverse landscapes. These are the indigenous, the Afro-Colombian and the rural communities. The Nariño in Nature tourism strategy identified four potential markets for growth. 1. Business Travellers 2. Retired Ecuadorian Residents 3. Foreigners from other South American countries, Mexico and Europe People who are travelling to Ecuador and 4. Colombian citizens coming from the country's main cities To capture these markets, the strategy proposes to develop up to 4 new nature tourism products that will stand out in Colombia for their innovation and their quality.
We call them the WOW products. The first WOW product is located at the Wanambu Canyon, just a 90-minute drive from Pasto. This project will create an adventure hub at Wanambu Bridge.
A platform will be built off the iconic Iron Bridge for the more adventurous to take a bungee jump 75 metres downwards to the Wanambu River. A suspended walkway would also be constructed around the canyon walls. A similar construction in China has proven a huge success.
The Wenambu River provides a great spot for guided rafting, kayaking and canyoning trips. There will also be opportunities for guided walks and biking. Wild day visitors will be welcome.
The best way to experience these activities will be to stay overnight on the edge of the Wanambu River. The development of a glamping installation is proposed for sites on the river's edge. Guests will be offered comfort in nature and a chance to rest and recharge before another adventure day the following day. The second WOW product is located west on the edge of the Pacific Ocean alongside the popular coastal city of Chamaco. The island of Bocca Grande is surrounded by a marine reserve on the one side and on the other by officially protected mangroves, an area of high conservation value.
The small community living here are committed to conservation through living and teaching their children. How to live consciously on our planet. This project will purchase a new tour boat for guests to take guided boat tours for viewing these magnificent breaches of migrating whales. Back on the beach, guests will be able to see mother turtles making their nests upon the shore and later will be able to see baby turtles beginning their journey towards the big blue.
Rather than returning to the bustling Tamarco, guests will be able to stay on Boca Grande in new cabins located on the beachfront in front of bird-watching areas and in front of the mangroves where fish spawn and mature. These cabins will blend the natural look of island life with real comfort including individual lounges with fantastic views. The local community prepare fantastic fresh seafood dishes sourced from the local waters. The special kitchen will be created by cooking classes so the guests can discover the secrets of the local cooks. The project envisages the construction of a new pier, reception and visitor centre, an island boardwalk, whale watching and chill out beach platforms.
A new restaurant and kitchen and a walking trail through the mangroves will also be constructed. The third WOW product is located just a 90 minute drive away from Tamarco in a private reserve on the edge of the Nambi River. The Nambi River Nature Reserve is a cloud forest often shrouded in mysterious mist and home to at least 370 bird species, equating to 19% of the Columbia's bird species in just one spot.
Of these, around 12 species are considered as endangered and four are considered vulnerable. This project will turn the Nambi River Nature Reserve into a natural and comfortable place for bird watching. Guests will be able to sleep to the sound of the Nambi River and wake to the sight of hummingbirds right in front of their glamping treehouse.
8 luxury glamping tents will sit on platforms high in a cloud forest canopy eye-to-eye with the birds. The existing lodge will be refurbished to provide a new treetop bar and dining room. While guests will be able to enter or leave the site by foot, a new road will be built for guests not wishing to walk.
and this new infrastructure will also provide easy access for operations within the reserve. The fourth WOW product is located on the edge of the bustling city of Pasto. The massive and iconic Galeris volcano, located just outside of the city, heats underground water traveling through the volcanic rock, absorbing special minerals that are ideal for good health and well-being.
We have identified several potential sites where this hot water could be drawn to the surface to fill natural pools of various temperatures for the benefit, wellness and comfort of visitors. This project will construct a spa attraction right by the foothills of the volcano, overlooking vast valleys and at night. The close lights of Pasto.
The spa attraction could also offer as a health lodge and a conference center. A high standard and attractive accommodation could become the place to stay in Pasto. The close proximity to Pasto and the wide appeal of this product should attract foreign visitors, business visitors and Colombians visiting from outside Nariño as well as local residents. Four very different natural places with the chance to create four very different wow factor nature tourism experiences.
Now we're looking for investors interested in supporting and developing something unique in Nariño. While this is happening, the Colombian and Nariño governments are investing in the improvement of important transport infrastructure that will help to boost tourism. The Pasto Airport terminal is being expanded and upgraded.
Roads across Nariño are being widened, straightened and improved, making travel within the Colombian department faster, safer and more comfortable. The private sector is also investing in tourism. New hotels are going to be built. are going up and the refurbishing of existing hotels is happening right at this moment. At this very moment there are actually 496 hotels with a total of 1,907 rooms for staying in Pasto.
The Colombian and Nariño governments are ready to discuss with investors and developers how they can help with these wow factor nature tourism projects. To access a detailed prospectus of these projects and to discuss the opportunities further