AMERICAS – In order to cope with increasing international tourist numbers, one of Colombia’s airports, Rafael Nuñez International Airport in Cartagena, has invested US$54m to double its space.
The airport, operated by SACSA, saw 1.6m passengers in 2008, which rose to 2.8m in 2012 and is expected to rise even further to 4m in 2020.
The expansion has seen the airport grow by 8,879sqm, with amendments made to arrival areas, the main terminal hall, airline offices, travel agencies and luggage handling.
By 2015, the airport hopes to complete the construction of a 1,240sqm soundproof barrier, which will allow it to meet Level C of International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines, which measures high levels of comfort and adequate space for passengers.
According to the Corporation de Turismo Cartagena, foreign tourism grew 15.9 per cent in 2012 to Cartagena, twice the national rate, welcoming 207,000 international visitors. The 2013 cruise season will bring an estimated 313,000 passengers to the city, an increase of 16 per cent on last year.
Cartagena was declared a Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984 and hosts international festivals including the Film Festival, the Hay Festival and the Cartagena Music Festival.
There are direct domestic flights to Cartagena from the Colombian cities of Bogota, Cali, Medellin and Bucaramanga and international flights from Fort Lauderdale and Miami in the US and from Panama, Ecuador and Curacao.
Do you have news for CMW? Email sarah@mashmedia.net
