In an unexpected turn of events, delegates are being housed in unorthodox lodgings for this year’s Cop16 conference. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/leonardo
An unexpected surge of conference-goers at this year's Cop16 summit in Cali, Colombia, has led to unconventional accommodation coming to the diplomatic rescue.
With initial estimates calling for 12,000 to 15,000 attendees, city officials were surprised to see nearly 23,000 registered delegates, filling Cali’s hotels to “100% capacity,” according to Mayor Alejandro Eder.
The city’s hotels, overflowing with heads of state, scientists, and UN negotiators, left love hotels stepping in as makeshift diplomatic lodgings.
In an unexpected twist, these typically intimate establishments welcomed diplomats and event-goers with open arms. Delegates have taken the unique accommodations in stride, with some jokingly noting that love hotels “are actually more comfortable” than traditional options, though they do lack some amenities, like wardrobe space.
Operators of love hotels in the city have also risen to the challenge, serving up new offerings such as a breakfast service serving orange juice, coffee, fruit, eggs, and Colombian bread, adding a touch of hospitality that goes beyond the typical setup.