Evolving Iconization and Destination Building : The Example of Cartagena, Colombia

This paper deals with the city of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, as a case of urban transformation geared towards tourism development. It intends to research the main processes which took place in different eras and shaped the city as it discovered its tourist potential. After a short introduction to Cartagena’s tourist space, the focus will be on the processes which effectively transformed a run-down colonial harbor city into a vibrant destination in less than a century. This is done by looking into the interplay of spatial and sociopolitical questions. This description is framed within theories of icons, iconization processes and semiological spaces. Since the city possesses an outstanding architectural heritage, it is intended to set this paper in the broader context of urban “icons” to see how the main attraction of Cartagena, namely its built heritage, has been managed and has contributed to shaping the city’s tourist profile