Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, the new winner of the United Nations Tourism Award, will celebrate its 102nd anniversary in 2025 which will go down in history for its recognition.
01/12/2025 – 8:48 pm
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Carlos Pellegrini Colonya small town in Corrientes with a population of only 1,120, celebrated its 102nd anniversary on December 1, 2025 with A reason for collective pride: The official reception for the Best Tourist Villages Award granted by the United Nations Tourism Authority. This international recognition sanctifies the people One of the best rural tourist destinations in the worlda milestone that marks the year 2025 as historic for the community located at one of the main access gateways to the wetlands of Ibera.
The celebration, attended by national and regional authorities, commemorated the city’s origins and, at the same time, celebrated the impact of its team on a global level. Colonia Carlos Pellegrini has been selected – along with 51 other locations – in the 2025 edition of the awards, which seek to recognize rural communities with a population of less than 15,000 that stand out for their commitment to sustainability, promoting their cultural values and preserving natural heritage.
During the day of celebration, Corrientes’ Tourism Minister, Alejandra Elisiri, and the country’s Ministry of Tourism and Environment officially presented the Certificate of Excellence to the city’s local mayor, Juan de la Cruz Fraga. The event also included a moving tribute to Vicente “Pico” Fraga, one of the key pioneers in the process that led to Establishment of the Ibera Provincial Reserve in 1983, A milestone that turned the city’s fate towards eco-tourism.
The impact of the United Nations Tourism Award and the essence of ecotourism in Cologne Carlos Pellegrini
Carlos Pellegrini The UN Tourism Award not only signifies international prestige, it actually has a direct and measurable impact on tourism activity in Colonia. According to the local tourism director, “In the first month since UN tourism recognition was granted, 2,300 visitors were received, including, “35% said they chose the destination because of their recent international choice.”
These data confirm the importance of the award for the city whose economy is closely linked to ecotourism. today, 90% of Carlos Pellegrini’s population lives from tourismAnd actively contribute to preserving its environment. The city is considered a pioneer in Ecotourism in Iberia, A famous place Sandy streets and mud housesoffering a unique wildlife experience in the heart of wetlands.
The UN Tourism Expert Committee evaluated nine key areas to award this distinction, including: cultural and natural resources, economic, social and environmental sustainability, and governance. The Carlos Pellegrini Award highlights the success of his development model, which has succeeded in saving and protecting endangered species such as the Gozo bird.
Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, the small Argentine city that was chosen as one of the best cities in the world
Colonia Carlos Pellegrini: A wildlife watching paradise
Colonia Carlos Pellegrini captivates nature lovers with its location on the shores of Lake Ibera, providing refuge for more than 350 species of birds and abundant wildlife. The city is presented as an ideal destination for wildlife viewing and eco-tourism.
The activities the city offers are all about immersing yourself in nature:
- Boat trips and lake safaris: They allow visitors to admire the local fauna, such as capybaras, swamp deer and crocodiles, with sunrise and sunset being the best times for viewing.
- Tracks and night walks: There are marked trails to explore different ecosystems and take photo safaris or night walks to observe wild animals that become active at nightfall.
- horseback riding: A traditional and peaceful way to explore the environment, facilitating the observation of local flora and fauna with the help of residents.
The day of celebration at the Municipal Sports Center culminated in the performance of various chamami groups and traditional music and dance of the Argentine coast, declared a World Heritage by UNESCO. This final touch, full of emotion and identity, reaffirmed the pride of the community that, with a population of only 1,120, is today a world leader in nature tourism.