CARTAGENA, Colombia—In the wake of what organizers call "constant attacks by some individuals" who have attempted to impose blockades to prevent them from holding the event, the 2022 LALExpo is moving location from Cartagena to northern seaport town Barranquilla, expo reps announced Thursday.
The show's dates and schedule of activities remain unchanged, still set for June 12-15.
"The change of venue was necessary to avoid uncomfortable situations," today's announcement explained, "despite having carried out all the legal procedures for which all the required documentation was presented, after having the approval of the Local Mayor's Office since February 2022 and also having the support of the Cartagena Convention Center."
The shutdown attempts levied against the expo, the announcement posited, came as "attacks not only against our industry but also against the exercise and development of free enterprise in Colombia."
It continued, "Even though we are accused of promoting abominable crimes such as sexual exploitation and exploitation of minors, an accusation that we clearly and forcefully reject, we will continue with our efforts to make this event and continue to show the importance of our industry nationally and internationally."
The announcement descibed the expo's new location as "a dynamic, modern and fun city that has been consolidating as the engine of development of the Caribbean Region."
Barranquilla Mayor Jaime Pumarejo came out publicly in support of LALExpo, organizers added, noting that "he stated what happened in Cartagena was a constitutional rights violation."
Assured the event's reps, "People who have purchased flights to Cartagena will be able to have free transportation to the city of Barranquilla, a very short trip of 1.5 hours. Those who have hotel reservations and have problems canceling them can contact our legal team through [email protected]; for any additional concerns, you can contact us through this same channel."
For more information, visit www.lalexpo.com.
