Colombia is getting its share of the international travel and tourism segment as the latest report from the Office of Economic Studies at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism shows that non-resident visitors to Colombia totaled 2,589,689 between January and May 2024.
These numbers mark an impressive 8.4% increase from the same period in 2023, and reflect the country’s growing appeal on the global stage.
The data from the country’s migration entity – Migración Colombia – reveals that of the travelers arriving in the first five months of the year, 1,701,647 were foreign nationals (excluding Venezuelan citizens), 593,611 were Colombians residing abroad, 83,267 were Venezuelans visiting for leisure, and 211,164 were passengers from international cruises.
In May 2024 alone, 433,827 visitors entered the country, a slight increase from the 428,682 in May 2023, indicating a steady growth above one per cent.
The leading nations of these non-resident foreigners were the United States, accounting for 27% of arrivals, followed by Ecuador at 7% and Mexico also near 7%. Notably, visitor numbers from Costa Rica, Mexico, and Ecuador surged by 52%, 22%, and 20% respectively compared to the previous year.
Colombia’s cities are drawing increasing numbers of tourists, with Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena leading the way. Bogotá alone welcomed 36.5% of these visitors, while Medellín and Cartagena hosted 24% and 20% respectively. The department of Antioquia saw the most significant annual growth at 26%, followed by Bolívar at 19%, and Risaralda at 11%.
Luis Carlos Reyes, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, attributes this growth to the collaborative efforts within the tourism sector. “The prosperity of the tourism sector is built together, and the confidence of entrepreneurs and investors in a destination like Colombia is increasingly reaffirmed, with the opening of new air routes and the start of operations by new airlines,” stated Reyes.
The aviation industry has played a pivotal role in this growth. According to Civil Aviation figures, approximately 22.1 million passengers traveled through Colombia’s air terminals in the first five months of 2024, a 17% increase from the same period in 2023. This translates to 3,188,000 additional travelers. Regular domestic flights accounted for around 13 million travelers, a 10.3% increase from the previous year, while regular international flights saw approximately 9 million travelers.
Tourism now ranks as the ninth-largest contributor to Colombia’s GDP, making up almost 4%, primarily through the accommodation and food services sectors, according to the Department of Statistics – DANE.
Adding to the allure, Colombia recently shone at the World Travel Awards, reinforcing its status as a burgeoning tourism powerhouse. Cartagena, Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali were among the standout cities in the latest edition of these prestigious awards.
Cartagena, with its romantic charm and stunning coastal scenery, was named South America’s Leading Honeymoon Destination. Bogotá, reflecting its infrastructure and facilities for corporate events, won the award for South America’s Leading Business Travel Destination. Medellín, renowned for its unique urban experiences, was celebrated as South America’s Leading Urban Escape Destination. Cali, with its rich cultural offerings and world-class events, was recognized as South America’s Leading Cultural Destination.
The World Travel Awards, founded in 1993, celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. Voted on by industry professionals and the general public, these awards are a reliable indicator of global tourism success. Winning such an accolade not only honors the recipient but also provides significant visibility and credibility in the competitive tourism market.
For Colombia’s award-winning cities, these recognitions are more than just accolades; they solidify the country’s image as a high-quality tourist destination capable of offering unique and memorable experiences.
With the most recent figures from Migration Colombia and the Ministry of Commerce, the majority of non-resident travelers visit for vacations, recreation, and leisure, with 1,463,051 visitors in these categories. Business and professional reasons accounted for 102,746 visitors, underscoring Colombia’s appeal across various travel sectors.
With its diverse attractions, thriving cultural scene, and tourism infrastructure, Colombia is firmly on the map as a must-visit destination, promising unforgettable experiences for both the seasoned traveler and first-time visitors from around the world.
