Colombian officials to visit Charlotte

By Naty Rive

Colombian officials will visit Charlotte next week as part of the South American country's efforts to boost tourism and change the perception of Colombia and promote the city of Medellin.

Safety concerns are dropping and tourism is on the rise in Colombia. Visitors are being lured to the country by its pleasant year-round weather, picturesque coastal towns, and big-city museums that feature the work of locally bred artists like Fernando Botero.

Medellin is the country's second largest city. About 2 million people live in the city tucked in the northern Andes of South America. Once home to the most dangerous Colombian cartels, Medellin has undergone quite the evolution. It's now one of the country's safest and most modern big cities.

Representatives from Medellin's urban renaissance program, Sos Pais, will give a two-hour free public demonstration starting at 5:30 p.m., Tues., Aug. 23, at the Mint Museum. A second presentation will be given at 6 p.m., Wed. Aug. 24 in Sykes Auditorium at Queens University.

By zeafra

“In addition to discussing the culture of Medellin, we are excited to share with the people of Charlotte how our city has transformed and is now a destination spot for education, financial and urban renewal projects,” says Maria Teresa Betancur, Program Coordinator, Sos Paisa.

 For more information on Sos Paisa, visit www.sospaisa.com