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Post by ozgringo on Dec 15, 2016 14:31:12 GMT -5
From www.eluniversal.com.co/cartagena/cartagena-se-prepara-para-recibir-mas-300-mil-turistas-242479According to projections Tourism Information System of Cartagena (Sitcar), between December 20 and January 20, 2017 the city expects 330,000 tourists, 16% more than in 2015 when 282,000 people arrived. Great for the local economy. Which is much needed from what I have witnessed in the month my we have been here in Cartagena. There are plenty of discounts on offer for accomodation in Cartagena at the moment.
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Post by saltador on Dec 15, 2016 15:27:42 GMT -5
Not surprised. Cartagena is booming in popularity right now. But for me, December 20-Jan 20 is the time to avoid Cartagena, just too many people.
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Post by makopp5 on Dec 15, 2016 16:48:34 GMT -5
saltador I agree with you, last time I was in December it was 10 years ago and it was too much for me.
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Post by ozgringo on Dec 16, 2016 14:09:42 GMT -5
This is my 3rd November - December - January in Cartagena over the last 5 years.
My wife and I are waiting for the influx of tourists.
Never seen it this slow at this time of years.
Depressing really.
Even the food courts in the two Bocagrande malls have empty - vacant shop fronts. Which to me says a lot.
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Post by wildstubby on Dec 16, 2016 16:04:11 GMT -5
ozgringo said: Wow! I know which ones you are referencing! I've been to the one up the 'calle' from the Hotel Caribe. I didn't realize that Cartagena was such a tourist destination during the Christmas holidays! When I go to Cartagena, I usually stay in Bocagrande.
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Post by ozgringo on Dec 16, 2016 16:57:47 GMT -5
ozgringo said: Wow! I know which ones you are referencing! I've been to the one up the 'calle' from the Hotel Caribe. I didn't realize that Cartagena was such a tourist destination during the Christmas holidays! When I go to Cartagena, I usually stay in Bocagrande. Nao Centro Comercial has three empty shop fronts in the food court. And Plaza Bocagrande has two. My wife and I were both shocked. In the food courts. Both malls have empty shops in the general shopping sections which is not unusual to see. Obviously the economy is not going to well at the moment. Bocagrande beach is by no means busy at the moment. Restaurants we have been going to in the old city haven't been overflowing as they normally do this time of the year. Also, seeing big discounts for hotel accomodation on tripadvisor, booking etc... websites.
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Post by livinginmedellin on Dec 16, 2016 18:16:10 GMT -5
I have been to Cartagena a couple times for New Years - each time it was difficult to get a reservation at the best restaurants in town and difficult to find a place to stay. I had to make plans well in advance.
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