Bolivia Celebrates Its Bicentennial with Tourism, Sustainability, and Innovation at the Heart of Its Vision
As Bolivia approaches its historic Bicentennial in 2025, the Ministry of Productive Development and Plural Economy, through the Vice Ministry of Tourism, is leading a powerful national initiative to reimagine tourism as a driver of inclusive growth, cultural pride, and environmental stewardship.
This vision is being brought to life at the Fexpo Sucre Bicentennial 2025, where the Tourism Revitalization Program for the Salar de Uyuni and Colored Lagoons (PDUL) is showcasing a range of transformative projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure, visitor experiences, and sustainable development in one of Bolivia’s most iconic regions.
Visitors to the Fexpo Sucre are learning about the construction of boutique hotels, tourist restaurants, interpretive panels, rest stops, scenic trails, a market intelligence observatory, and modern sanitation facilities—all designed to support tourism that is both respectful of local communities and deeply connected to the region’s natural beauty.
These efforts fall under the national slogan: “200 Years, 200 Tourist Destinations,” a campaign launched by the Bolivian government to celebrate the country’s cultural and geographic diversity while promoting responsible travel.
The PDUL’s participation at the fair also includes a call to action for regional and local governments, Indigenous and campesino communities, and tourism entrepreneurs across Bolivia: join the National Tourism Fair – “Bolivia Awaits You in the Bicentennial” to be held May 31 and June 1 in Samaipata, Santa Cruz. This event will serve as a platform to showcase Bolivia’s vast tourism offerings, build alliances, and reaffirm tourism as a pillar of national integration and economic development.
In parallel, the Vice Ministry is also pushing forward an exciting new concept: Industrial and Educational Tourism, a program designed to bridge education, innovation, and national identity by inviting students and the public into the inner workings of Bolivia’s strategic public enterprises. These guided visits aim to deepen understanding of the country’s productive capabilities and foster a sense of pride in Bolivia’s industrial heritage.
The initiative officially began with a visit by Commercial Engineering students from Franz Tamayo University (El Alto campus) to the National Textile Company (SENATEX). This visit, coordinated by the Vice Ministry of Tourism, marked the first of many academic-industry experiences to come. SENATEX has now become the first company in Bolivia to open its doors to Industrial and Educational Tourism, allowing young Bolivians to witness firsthand the processes behind national textile production. “This is about turning knowledge into experience and transforming the classroom into a productive learning environment,” said officials from the Ministry. More such tours across Bolivia are expected soon.
Meanwhile, in the stunning high-altitude landscapes of southwestern Bolivia, an international initiative is drawing global attention. A British scientific expedition, aptly named “Into Clean Air,” has begun its journey across the Salar de Uyuni and the Colored Lagoons of the Eduardo Abaroa National Reserve, with the goal of raising environmental awareness and demonstrating the feasibility of low-impact exploration.
Crossing into Bolivia via the Ollagüe border on May 4, the team included experts in biochemistry, extreme logistics, environmental medicine, scientific writing, and audiovisual production for the BBC. Their mission is to document the effects of climate change on fragile Andean ecosystems and to show that expeditions in extreme environments can be conducted using carbon-mitigation strategies such as biofuels and solar energy.
“This is one of the most challenging and inspiring regions we’ve explored,” said Alan Crofts, expedition leader and seasoned desert explorer. “We’re especially excited about traveling through the Salar de Uyuni and showing the world that sustainable travel is not only necessary—it’s entirely possible, even in the harshest environments.”
The group will create educational content for social media, international documentaries, and scientific publications, while also engaging with local communities to learn about their sustainable practices and ways of life.
The British Embassy in Bolivia has applauded the expedition as part of the celebration of 185 years of diplomatic relations between Bolivia and the United Kingdom. It also aligns with Bolivia’s Bicentennial campaign, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive tourism that honors both its natural landscapes and its people.
With bold infrastructure projects, educational initiatives, and international collaboration, Bolivia’s road to its 200th anniversary is not only a celebration of its past—but a strategic investment in a more equitable, connected, and sustainable future.
Latina Republic is dedicated to sharing stories that celebrate the cultural richness, natural beauty, and vibrant communities of Latin America. Through features on touristic gems and regional news, we aim to inspire meaningful connections with the heart of the region. Tourism highlights the breathtaking landscapes and heritage of these communities, and also serves as a powerful platform for local entrepreneurs to share their culture, crafts, and traditions—strengthening local economies while preserving and showcasing their unique identities.
