Duke and Duchess of Sussex Aim to Enhance Colombia’s Global Appeal
Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Márquez, has confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's recent four-day visit was strategically aimed at boosting the country’s global tourism profile, rather than being related to royal duties.
According to a statement from the vice president’s office, the high-profile visit was designed to position Colombia as an "attractive tourism destination" and to highlight its progress in overcoming its troubled past.
The statement emphasized the goal of showcasing Colombia as a hub of creativity and cultural diversity, ready to attract international investment and tourists. "We will continue working to establish Colombia on the international stage as a reference point of creativity, cultural diversity, and above all, as a country that knows how to rebuild from differences and is prepared to receive millions more visitors," the release noted.
However, this promotional effort comes amid a critical 2024 report from Human Rights Watch, which raised concerns about ongoing human rights issues in Colombia. The report highlighted challenges such as abuses by armed groups, limited access to justice, and high poverty levels, particularly among Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities.
