Mauricio Andrés Manrique, a professor from the Department of Tourism Sciences at the University of Cauca, was a keynote speaker at the tenth edition of the Peruvian Tourism Congress, CONPETUR, held from October 21 to 25 in Cusco, Peru. During the event, the professor presented the paper titled "Inclusive Tourism in the Historical Sector of Popayán, Colombia: Challenges and Opportunities for Accessibility in Hotels and Restaurants."

The Tenth Peruvian Tourism Congress, CONPETUR, which originated in 2015 at the National University of San Marcos through an initiative by tourism students, is an academic space that has gained notable recognition for promoting the development of professional competencies and strengthening capacities within the sector. In this edition, Professor Mauricio Andrés Manrique shared his experience and knowledge about the importance of inclusive tourism, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the historic city of Popayán.

Professor Manrique’s interest in inclusive tourism stemmed from his own experience dealing with reduced mobility due to a spinal issue. "That experience made me reflect on how unprepared the environment is to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Since then, as part of my Ph.D. in Human Sciences, I have focused my research on strengthening this important segment of tourism," said the professor, noting that accessibility in tourism is an increasingly relevant issue. Popayán, with its historical and cultural wealth, has immense potential to improve in this area.

In this way, the professor expressed his gratitude for the management by the University of Cauca's Office of Interinstitutional and International Relations (ORII) and ICETEX, whose financial support made his participation in the event possible. "Thanks to their backing, I was able to share this wonderful experience," Professor Manrique emphasized. From this intellectual hub, we are proud to know that our professors, inspired by their personal experiences, make significant contributions to various fields of knowledge, improving the quality of life for many people. In this case, the professor’s work highlights the relevance of inclusive tourism, a fundamental aspect that cities and productive sectors must consider to offer alternatives that ensure a high-quality, unique, and enriching experience for tourists.

Writing: Communications Management Center