World Tourism Day: Cartagena subsidizes free boat and train rides

The Cartagena City Council's Tourism department will mark World Tourism Day on 27 September with a series of free activities designed to highlight the city's historical, cultural and natural assets.

Councillor Beatriz Sánchez said the international day, promoted by the World Tourism Organization, emphasises tourism as a driver of sustainable development and a bridge between cultures, and invited residents and visitors to take part in the special programme.

The first activity is a boat trip across the bay that includes a guided visit to the Fuerte de Navidad, a 19th-century coastal battery that once protected the harbour entrance. Departures from the port are scheduled at 11:00, 13:00 and 16:30, with an approximate duration of one and a half hours.

The second option is a tourist train route through the historic centre, with three departures from the Mare Nostrum restaurant at 09:00, 09:40 and 10:15. Each 35-minute journey will pass the main streets and landmarks, including Calle Real, Plaza de España and the Basilica of La Caridad, with commentary from a guide.

Both activities are free and open to the public, but prior registration on the tourism website is required due to capacity limits, starting on Thursday 25 September at 09:00. The councillor said the events aim to foster heritage conservation and local development through tourism.