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Towards Tourism 5.0 in Colombia: Opportunities, Challenges and Strategic Pathways Enabled by Artificial Intelligence and 5G/6G Networks

Author

Listed:
  • Andrés Solano-Barliza

    (Faculty of Engineering, Universidad de La Guajira, Riohacha 440002, Colombia)

  • Wilson Arrubla-Hoyos

    (Faculty of Engineering, Universidad de Sucre, Sincelejo 700001, Colombia)

  • Adelaida Ojeda-Beltrán

    (Faculty of Economy, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia 081007, Colombia)

  • Dora Cama-Pinto

    (Department of Computer Architecture and Technology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
    Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru)

  • Francisco Manuel Arrabal-Campos

    (Department Engineering, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain
    Ciaimbital Research Center, CeiA3, University of Almería, Carretera Sacramento, s/n La Cañada, 04120 Almeria, Spain)

  • Alejandro Cama-Pinto

    (Department of Computer Science and Electronics, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia)

Abstract

Colombia, renowned for its biodiversity and cultural heritage, is positioning itself as a future leader in sustainable and immersive tourism under the national vision “Colombia, a global powerhouse of life.” This article examines the potential transformation of the tourism ecosystem through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with advanced 5G and emerging 6G networks. The objective of this study is to analyse the tourism landscape in Colombia, with the aim of understanding how improved connectivity could strengthen the country’s tourism ecosystem. In the first phase, a literature review was conducted using the PRISMA methodology, supplemented by a documentary analysis of Colombia’s legal frameworks and policy instruments. In the second phase, the research encompassed the analysis of scientific publications, technical reports, and national documents produced between 2020 and 2025. The results of this exercise are presented through analytical matrices that outline technological possibilities, regulatory frameworks, and sociocultural impacts, and identify opportunities, challenges, and strategic pathways for the implementation of Tourism 5.0 in Colombia. The main conclusions are that the transition to Tourism 5.0 requires a coordinated national roadmap that prioritises high-value use cases, promotes territorial inclusion, and leverages 5G-/6G-enabled solutions to support sustainable development in the tourism sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrés Solano-Barliza & Wilson Arrubla-Hoyos & Adelaida Ojeda-Beltrán & Dora Cama-Pinto & Francisco Manuel Arrabal-Campos & Alejandro Cama-Pinto, 2026. "Towards Tourism 5.0 in Colombia: Opportunities, Challenges and Strategic Pathways Enabled by Artificial Intelligence and 5G/6G Networks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-39, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:13:p:6861-:d:1984442
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