COLOMBIA REJOICES OVER INCREASED NUMBER OF FOREIGN TOURISTS

Colombia saw a significant rise in international tourists, with 5,325,486 non-resident visitors arriving between January and October 2024. This marks a 9.4% increase compared to 2023, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, based on figures from Migración Colombia.

Additionally, there was a 10.2% increase in the arrival of non-resident foreigners, excluding Venezuelans, who totaled 3,664,677 individuals during this time.

Luis Carlos Reyes Hernández, the Colombian Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, emphasized the “enormous commitment to promoting responsible and sustainable tourism, which strengthens the experiences of emerging destinations and supports local economies.” He noted that today’s tourists seek to learn about the history, traditions, and customs of the places they visit and desire a deeper understanding. Colombia has adapted well to this new demand.

Official data also revealed a 10.2% increase in Colombians living abroad who visited the country, totaling 1,429,410 people. The United States accounted for the largest share of foreign tourists, representing 26.7% of the total, followed by Mexico and Ecuador.

Regarding air travel, the Civil Aeronautics Authority reported that between January and September 2024, 41,107,198 passengers were transported by air, marking a 16.5% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Of this total, 24,112,632 traveled on regular domestic flights, while 16,994,566 flew internationally.

Economic Impact

Tourism has a significant economic impact, generating revenue of USD 7.444 billion in foreign exchange from January to September 2024. This represents a 14% increase compared to the same period in 2023, according to data from Colombia’s Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (Anato). By the end of the year, the country is expected to exceed USD 8.939 billion in foreign exchange from tourism.

Additionally, between January and October 2024, more Colombians living abroad returned home, totaling 1,264,145 arrivals. This is an increase from 1,149,097 arrivals during the same period in 2023.

Most Visited Regions

According to the Ministry of Commerce, Bogotá was the most popular travel destination for foreign tourists in the first ten months of 2024, attracting 37.4% of the total. Other favored regions included Antioquia, Bolívar, and Valle del Cauca.

In October 2024 alone, the country welcomed 338,098 non-resident foreign tourists (excluding Colombians living abroad). This figure represents an 8.3% increase compared to October 2023, which saw 312,056 visitors.

Pereira, with a 34.2% increase, and Bogotá, with 20.9%, had the highest rises in domestic passenger arrivals during the first 10 months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

In turn, San Andrés saw a 61% increase, while Cúcuta had a 38.9% rise in international passenger arrivals compared to last year.