The millions of pesos that Barranquilla won with its Carnival

Yesterday ended the most recent edition of the Barranquilla Carnival, which I had high expectations because it was the first version to be held in person, since the lockdown due to the pandemic, according to the mayor's office of the Atlantic capital, expectations were met, in addition, the figures that had been reached were exceeded in the year 2020.

Mayor Jaime Pumarejo gave a positive balance, assuring that revenues for the city were about 400 billion pesos; about 53,500 jobs were generated, direct and indirect, and 23,500 jobs were established for other activities related to Carnival.

In the hotel sector alone, sales were approximately 3 billion pesos, with a capacity of 90%. Compared to the last face-to-face edition, in 2020, where occupancy was 92%, the result is satisfactory considering that there is still a risk of contagion with COVID 19. The initial estimates made by Cotelco Atlántico doubled, said the mayor.

The gastronomic sector was also another sector that benefited, in addition to Carnival, by the match played by the Colombian National Team last Thursday, March 24, against Bolivia; this meant a 30% increase in sales.

Stores such as liquor stores, bars, hairdressers, gas stations and pharmacies had a significant increase in sales. The transport sector also benefited, taking into account the figures provided by El Heraldo, the average expenditure of tourists during the 4 days of Carnival, both nationals and foreigners, was approximately 1,330 million pesos per visitor. In addition, it is estimated that some 350,000 people arrived in Barranquilla.

Another favorable point, reported by the Atlantic Traffic and Police authorities, was that 0 deaths were reported from road accidents. Only 2 minor accidents were recorded, which left no fatalities. One of the successful strategies that achieved this figure was “Earn the most expensive drink of your life”, which approached people who visited liquor stores during Carnival. They were given a message focused on raising awareness among citizens “of how a bad decision can completely extinguish the joy of Carnival”.

Javier Visbal, deputy director of the Atlantic Transit operation, said:

added that this campaign was implemented in the various municipalities of the metropolitan area of Barranquilla.

The Atlantic Police assured, that it had a record of 72,283 vehicles entered and 62,427 departing the Atlantic by national routes, from Friday to Tuesday, days when Carnival was celebrated. In addition, they reported that they imposed 206 complaints.

The positive numbers left by this, one of the most important events in the country, can be summed up by the words that the Queen of Carnival, Valeria Charris, said at the close of the holidays: “I have already fulfilled the dream of many of you for this Carnival in Barranquilla 2022 that brought us back joy. This Carnival shows us that it is worth dreaming and that nothing is impossible”. The 23-year-old was the first “sovereign” chosen by the people.

She won the applause, according to Mayor Pumarejo, since, “from minute 1 she personified the determination to fulfill the dreams, inclusion and renewal that our Carnival calls for. Barranquilla wins an unparalleled ambassador. Thank you for your delivery!” , he wrote on his Twitter account.

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