# Colombian Caribbean infrastructure and tourism development > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/colombian-caribbean-infrastructure-and-tourism-development > Updated: 2026-08-24T10:19:21.000Z. Sources: 57. Developments: 2. In the Colombian Caribbean, regional development efforts are focusing on infrastructure and tourism. The national Conpes 4205 investment plan, which allocates 6.54 trillion pesos for airport upgrades through 2035, has faced criticism from Atlántico Governor Eduardo Verano for omitting the Ernesto Cortissoz Airport in Barranquilla from its priority list. Verano has called on President-elect Abelardo De la Espriella to include the facility to maintain regional connectivity. Simultaneously, expansion plans for the Simón Bolívar International Airport in Santa Marta are being reviewed by regional officials and CAF representatives to address rising passenger demand. This focus on infrastructure coincides with major industry events, including the 30th ANATO National Congress of Travel and Tourism Agencies in Barranquilla, which is currently being held to discuss the impact of technology on the industry. Upcoming sports tourism congresses in Santa Marta are also expected to drive economic development in the region. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-24: Regional cultural and tourism events announced across Latin America and Spain A diverse array of cultural, tourism, and educational events are occurring across Latin America and Spain, ranging from Expo Korea in Quito to UNLPam's activities in Argentina and the Feria de Cholula in Mexico 57 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-hosts-major-tourism-congresses-in-barranquilla-and-santa-marta ### 2026-08-05: Colombia's Conpes 4205 airport plan omits Barranquilla hub, prompting regional upgrade push Governor Eduardo Verano says Colombia's Conpes 4205 left Barranquilla's Ernesto Cortissoz Airport out, while Santa Marta officials push forward Simón Bolívar Airport expansion under the same plan. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombias-conpes-4205-airport-plan-omits-barranquilla-hub-prompting-regional-upgrade-push --- Cite as: Colombian Caribbean infrastructure and tourism development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/colombian-caribbean-infrastructure-and-tourism-development