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

Professor Manrique’s interest in inclusive tourism arose from his own experience facing reduced mobility due to a spinal problem. “That experience made me reflect on how unprepared our environment is to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Since then, as part of my doctoral studies in Human Sciences, I have focused my research on strengthening this very important segment of tourism,” expressed the Unicaucano professor, noting that accessibility in tourism is a topic of growing relevance, and that Popayán, with its historical and cultural richness, has enormous potential for improvement in this regard.

In this way, the professor expressed his gratitude for the support provided by the Office of Interinstitutional and International Relations (ORII) of the University of Cauca and ICETEX, whose financial assistance made his participation in the event possible. “Thanks to their support, I was able to share this wonderful experience,” highlighted Professor Manrique. At this house of thought, we are filled with pride knowing that our professors, inspired by their personal experiences, make significant contributions to different areas of knowledge, improving the living conditions of many people. In this case, the professor’s work underscores the relevance of inclusive tourism, a fundamental aspect that cities and productive sectors must consider in order to offer alternatives that guarantee tourists a high-quality, unique, and enriching experience.