With the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park in Colombia attracting thousands of visitors due to its breathtaking natural beauty and historical significance, challenges persist beneath the surface. Armed groups, particularly the Self-Defence Forces of the Sierra Nevada (ACSN), are reportedly engaging in extortion and other illegal activities, significantly impacting local businesses and Indigenous communities. Despite the 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the ACSN has risen to prominence in the region, exacerbating tensions as they compete with other criminal organizations. This ongoing violence and intimidation have led to a decline in safety for residents and tourists alike, raising concerns about the future of tourism in the area. Statistics indicate that the Ministry of Defence has received over 46,000 extortion complaints since 2022, prompting fears among local hotel associations regarding the potential implications for Colombia’s burgeoning tourism sector as election season looms.
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