Not about poverty: Touristic narratives by community operators in the case of Ciudad Bolívar, Bogotá

The aerial cable transport system inaugurated in December 2018 in Ciudad Bolívar in Bogotá improved the mobility conditions for local residents as well as generated increased tourist interest in the territory. The establishment of this system resulted in the emergence of at least three agencies of local actors promoting tourist tours: Amigos del Turista, Bogotá Colors, and Ruta de la Esperanza. The primary objective of this study is to analyze the actors’ narratives regarding their respective territories. Characterized by a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive approach, this study employs methods such as participant observation during the tours and in-depth interviews with representatives of each agency. We conclude that the tourist narratives constructed by community actors constitute a tool to challenge stereotypes and redefine popular neighborhoods. Their construction combines collective memory processes and individual experiences, highlighting the transformation and vindication of the struggles and social processes of the territory.