From Waste to Wealth: How Circular Economy Practices are Transforming Tourism in Colombia and Latin America

A Caribbean island protecting crucial mangroves.

The circular economy is slowly reshaping tourism across Latin America, with Colombia at the forefront of this sustainable and economically inclusive transformation. This approach moves beyond idealistic visions, instead being anchored in concrete policies, proven initiatives, and measurable benefits that convert waste streams into valuable resources, foster community empowerment, and protect natural ecosystems.

Colombia was the first Latin American country to adopt a National Circular Economy Strategy, prioritizing resource reuse, energy transition, and waste management—all highly relevant to tourism. This framework guides sustainable practices in accommodations, transportation, and community-based ecotourism. For example, protected areas like Tayrona National Natural Park employ sustainable visitation guidelines that conserve biodiversity while generating income for local communities.

Almonds picked up during a day on the beach, 100% natural and local.

Dinamico Travelers, part of Dinamico Organico’s social innovation efforts, exemplifies these principles through its community-centered tourism projects in rural Colombia, such as Río Ancho Dinamico in La Guajira. By fostering circular economy practices—reusing materials for artisanal crafts, minimizing waste, and promoting low-impact travel experiences—they create economic opportunities that directly benefit residents. Their digital platform connects conscious travelers with authentic, sustainable experiences that emphasize cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.

The economic impact of circular tourism is significant: it stimulates GDP growth, creates jobs in recycling, sustainable agriculture, and resource recovery sectors, and enhances public health through better waste management. It also promotes social inclusion by integrating local communities into environmentally sound economic models.

Local artisanal fishing (small-scale & non-invasive) is a cultural heritage in Colombia.

Across Latin America, tourism businesses are increasingly adopting circular economy practices aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, overcoming challenges like training and certification access through collaborative public-private initiatives. This growing movement turns tourism into a cycle of care and regeneration where waste is minimized, resources are maximized, and communities thrive.

By embedding circular economy tenets in their operations, they underscore how sustainable tourism in Colombia can evolve into a powerful tool for climate action, economic resilience, and multidimensional poverty reduction, transforming “waste” into lasting wealth for people and the planet.