Cartagena: A destination for corporate events and conventions

Organizing a congress, an industry convention or a strategic meeting involves choosing a destination that combines efficient logistics, professional infrastructure and an environment capable of inspiring participants beyond the agenda. Cartagena de Indias meets these criteria and backs them with concrete figures: according to the 2025 ranking by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Colombia hosted 158 international meetings, a 38% increase over the previous year, and Cartagena remains among the Colombian cities that host the largest number of events of this kind.

The figures support the decision, but they do not tell the whole story. What truly sets La Heroica apart is its ability to turn a workday into an experience that attendees remember long after reviewing the event's conclusions. Below are the reasons behind this positioning.

Connectivity that simplifies logistics

One of the first criteria when selecting a venue for a business event is ease of access. Rafael Núñez International Airport operates direct flights to Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and other Colombian capitals, as well as international connections to cities such as Miami, Mexico City, Panama City and Lima, among others.

This network of routes allows national and international delegations to arrive without lengthy layovers, reducing transportation costs and making it easier to stay on schedule. Since the airport is located within the urban area, it shortens the distance between the runway and the main hotel and convention districts.

Infrastructure designed to support various formats

The city has developed a range of venues and meeting rooms that accommodate everything from large-scale plenary sessions to private negotiation tables. Convention centers, hotels with integrated corporate areas, and historic venues within the walled city expand the configuration possibilities depending on the type of activity.

This diversity makes it possible to combine formal sessions in rooms equipped with audiovisual technology, corporate dinners in colonial courtyards and team-building activities by the sea, all within the same destination and without excessive travel.

For organizers managing agendas with simultaneous sessions, working committees and parallel executive meetings, having a venue that can accommodate these formats under one roof represents a significant operational advantage.

An environment that encourages networking and creativity

The most productive conversations do not always take place inside the boardroom. A coffee overlooking the city walls, a walk through the San Diego neighborhood, or dinner at Plaza de Santo Domingo can foster the professional connections that shape long-term partnerships.

Cartagena provides this component effortlessly. Its colonial architecture, Caribbean cuisine, warm weather and proximity to the sea create an atmosphere that reduces tension, encourages genuine conversations and leaves attendees with an impression that goes beyond the formal agenda.

This intangible factor is precisely what many organizers seek when they want to differentiate their congress or convention from those held in conventional urban centers.

Complementary options for team-building activities

Outside the meeting rooms, Cartagena offers a complementary agenda that enhances any corporate program: tours of the historic center, excursions to the Rosario Islands, boat trips, culinary tastings and water activities.

These options are especially useful for team-building days, incentive trips or convention closing events where the goal is to reward the team with a memorable experience. The proximity between the hotel district, the docks and tourist attractions makes it possible to organize these plans without spending half a day on transportation.

International recognition that supports the decision

Choosing Cartagena is not a shot in the dark. The city consistently appears in the top 10 Latin American destinations for international association meetings according to ICCA, and in 2025 it was nominated as a Hometown Hero by Cvent, one of the world's leading event management platforms. In addition, it received the Responsible Tourism Award at World Travel Market 2026, a recognition that highlights its Meetings CTG Comunitario program for connecting business tourism with verifiable social impact. These recognitions confirm that the city not only attracts congresses but also hosts them according to globally competitive standards, with a sustainability-focused approach that more and more organizers value when justifying their destination choice to their boards of directors.

Organize your corporate event in Cartagena with Cafam's support

Located in the Crespo neighborhood, just minutes from the airport and historic center, Cafam's Hotel Corales de Indias combines Caribbean-view accommodations with a convention center prepared for different types of events: the Gran Salón Kalamary accommodates up to 350 people and offers simultaneous interpretation, video projection and professional lighting; the VIP Boardroom accommodates executive meetings of up to 20 attendees; and the Commission Rooms offer four rooms for groups of 4 to 10 people. In addition, the hotel features 250 Caribbean-view rooms, swimming pools, relaxation areas, a restaurant and exclusive benefits for Cafam members.

Request a quote for your next corporate event with Cafam and take your congress, convention or strategic meeting to a destination with infrastructure, support and results.

FAQ

How close is Hotel Corales de Indias to the beach and historic center?
It is located in the Crespo neighborhood, next to Marbella Beach, with quick access to the walled city, dining areas and Plaza Bocagrande Shopping Center.

What technological equipment do you offer?
Simultaneous interpretation, video projection, sound amplification, professional lighting, air conditioning and Wi-Fi connectivity are available in all meeting rooms.

Do Cafam members receive benefits for corporate events?
Yes. Depending on their membership category, they may access preferential accommodation rates, dining benefits and discounts on recreational activities for participants.