Just three minutes from the Alfonso Bonilla Aragon airport in Cali there is a project to develop the Duty Free Tourist zone. The municipality of Palmira is offering attractive commercial benefits, explained at a presentation in Bogota, including ten years freedom for investors from industrial and commercial taxes. Construction on the tourist and commercial complex is due to start in January 2006 at a cost of US$250 million for the first phase. If successful the development would make Cali a centre for national tourism.

Features of the project include two amusement parks, a water park with high-tech attractions, a hotel, and parking for 8,000 vehicles. Visitor numbers are expected to reach around 12 million a year. Part of the plan is for a 3,200 sq m casino housing the latest gaming machines. The White Water Group of Canada is the principal investor, with around 70% participation. The other investors are local businessmen from Cali who will promote and market the development within Colombia, and guarantee the progress of work.

Cali is in a beautiful region of Colombia and apart from the commercial advantages of the Duty Free zone the project seeks to promote Colombian architecture and design. Six commercial boulevards will be built as well as the hotel, casino and parks. Initial opening of the site should be at the end of 2006, but final completion of all aspects will not be until 2011. (E-06.01.05)

© Copyright 2005 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage