Colonia, Uruguay boosts tourism with new TEDx forum and funded nautical startups

The Tourism Association of the Department of Colonia and TEDx Colonia del Sacramento announced the launch of “Encuentro: A day to pause, reflect and connect with purpose.” The inaugural presentation will take place on 21 July at the BIT Center, with the main event scheduled for 7 August at the Plaza de Toros Real de San Carlos. The program features speakers from music, marketing, history, sport and business, and a performance by Montevideo artist Florencia “BONI” Bonavida.

In parallel, four local enterprises were selected in the fourth call of the MINTUR‑ANDE tourism fund, a non‑repayable financing scheme aimed at emerging nautical tourism destinations. The projects – Charrúa Kitesurf, CANI Campamento Puente Negro, Don Santiago Paseos Náuticos and Alas sobre el Agua – will receive grants ranging from US$500,000 to US$900,000, totalising roughly US$3.2 million. The funding seeks to diversify the region’s tourism offer, create jobs and strengthen small‑scale entrepreneurs in the department of Colonia.