In 2024, Colombia’s tourism industry experienced record-breaking growth, surpassing traditional exports like coffee and coal in terms of revenue generation. According to Paula Cortés Calle, president of the Asociación Colombiana de Agencias de Viajes y Turismo (Anato), tourism contributed over $40 billion COP to Colombia’s economy, making it the second-largest source of foreign income after petroleum.

With a 1.7% growth in GDP, more than 6.7 million international visitors, and a thriving tourism sector, Colombia continues to strengthen its position as a top travel destination in Latin America. However, while the growth has been remarkable, challenges like security concerns, infrastructure gaps, and domestic travel limitations remain obstacles to be addressed.

🌎 Looking to explore investment opportunities in Colombia’s growing tourism sector?
👉 Explore properties for sale in Colombia

Growth in International Visitors

Colombia welcomed 6.7 million international visitors in 2024, marking an 8.5% increase compared to the previous year. This growth solidifies Colombia’s position as a top destination in Latin America, attracting travelers from all over the world.

🌍 Where Do International Visitors Come From?

Most international tourists visiting Colombia in 2024 came from:

• 🇺🇸 United States – The largest group of international visitors.
• 🇪🇸 Spain – Strong cultural and historical ties bring many Spanish tourists.
• 🇧🇷 Brazil – A growing number of Brazilian tourists are exploring Colombia’s beaches and cities.
• 🇫🇷 France – European travelers attracted to Colombia’s heritage and biodiversity.
• 🇨🇦 Canada – Canadian visitors are drawn to Colombia’s warm climate and natural beauty.

✈️ Popular Destinations for Tourists

International visitors gravitate toward Colombia’s top travel hotspots, including:

• Cartagena: Historic walled city and Caribbean beaches.
• Medellin: Known for its vibrant culture and innovative urban transformation.
• Bogotá: Colombia’s capital, offering museums, history, and cosmopolitan experiences.
• Santa Marta: Celebrating its 500th anniversary in 2024, it’s becoming a key destination for heritage and nature tourism.

🎯 Factors Driving the Growth

• Visa Flexibility: Easier visa processes have encouraged more visitors.
• Improved Safety Perceptions: Positive changes in Colombia’s security situation have boosted confidence among tourists.
• Aggressive Marketing Campaigns: Government and private sector efforts have promoted Colombia globally.

🌟 Interested in exploring Colombia’s top tourist cities? Check out our rental options:
👉 Short-term rentals in Colombia

Impact on Colombia’s Economy

The growth of Colombia’s tourism sector in 2024 had a significant impact on the national economy, contributing to GDP growth and generating thousands of jobs across various industries.

💰 1. Contribution to GDP

Tourism played a key role in Colombia’s economic growth, contributing to a 1.7% increase in GDP in 2024. This growth rate was more than double the figure recorded in 2023, reflecting the sector’s rising importance.

• Direct Impact: Increased spending on accommodation, transportation, dining, and entertainment.
• Indirect Impact: Boosted demand in hospitality, retail, and local services, creating a ripple effect across the economy.

👩‍💼 2. Job Creation & Employment

The tourism boom led to significant job creation, particularly in sectors such as:

• Hospitality & Accommodation: Hotels, hostels, and short-term rentals expanded their workforce.
• Tour Guides & Operators: Increased demand for tours, excursions, and cultural experiences.
• Restaurants & Cafés: Growth in dining establishments catering to tourists generated more service industry jobs.

🌱 3. Boost to Sustainable Development

Tourism also promoted sustainable development by driving investment in:

• Community-Based Tourism: Empowering local communities and preserving cultural heritage.
• Ecotourism & Nature Conservation: Encouraging responsible tourism practices that protect Colombia’s biodiversity.

📈 4. Strengthening Regional Economies

Tourism has benefited regional economies by spreading wealth beyond major cities and attracting visitors to emerging destinations like Santa Marta, Guatapé, and the Coffee Triangle.

💼 Looking to invest in Colombia’s booming tourism sector? Explore available properties:
👉 Browse investment opportunities

Challenges Facing the Tourism Sector

Despite its impressive growth, Colombia’s tourism sector still faces several challenges that could slow down its momentum if not addressed.

🛡️ 1. Security Concerns

While safety perceptions have improved, security remains a concern for some international travelers. Paula Cortés Calle, president of Anato, emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between the government and private sector to maintain and improve security in tourist hotspots.

• Perception vs. Reality: Although Medellin and Bogotá are safer than in the past, negative perceptions persist.
• Need for Reinforcement: Increased police presence and better safety protocols are essential to building trust among tourists.

✈️ 2. Limited Air & Ground Connectivity

Colombia saw a 12% increase in direct international flight frequencies in 2024, with 1,548 direct routes. However, airport infrastructure and ground transportation remain insufficient to support future growth.

• Airports Need Upgrades: Modernizing and expanding airports is critical to handle the growing influx of travelers.
• Better Road Connectivity: Upgrading road networks will improve access to emerging destinations and promote domestic tourism.

🇨🇴 3. Barriers to Domestic Tourism

While international tourism is thriving, domestic tourism lags behind due to economic challenges. According to DANE, 60% of Colombians who don’t travel within the country cite lack of financial resources as the primary barrier.

• Impact of 19% IVA on Tourism Services: The high tax rate on flights and accommodation discourages domestic travel.
• Proposed Solutions: Anato advocates for reducing the IVA on tourism services to stimulate internal travel.

📉 4. Decline in Foreign Direct Investment

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Colombia’s tourism sector fell by 17.9% in 2024, highlighting the need for policies that attract international capital.

• Legal Stability Needed: Investors seek legal certainty and clear regulations before committing capital.
• Incentives for Investment: Tax breaks and public-private partnerships can revitalize investment.

🌟 Want to invest in Colombia’s growing tourism sector? Explore real estate opportunities:
👉 Browse properties for sale

Projections for 2025 and Beyond

Colombia’s tourism sector is poised for continued growth in 2025 and beyond, with ambitious goals set by the government and Anato to further consolidate the country as a top travel destination in Latin America.

📈 1. Increasing Visitor Numbers

Colombia aims to attract 7.5 million non-resident visitors by the end of 2025, reflecting a continued upward trend in international tourism.

• 2024 Figures: 6.7 million visitors
• 2025 Target: 7.5 million visitors
• Growth Strategy: Enhanced digital marketing campaigns, expanded flight routes, and greater international visibility.

💰 2. Revenue Growth & Foreign Exchange Goals

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism projects that tourism will generate $10 billion USD annually in foreign exchange revenue by the end of 2025.

• Key Drivers: Increased spending by international visitors and higher-value tourism experiences.
• Economic Impact: Continued contribution to GDP growth and job creation.

🌱 3. Focus on Sustainable & Heritage Tourism

To maintain growth while preserving Colombia’s natural and cultural resources, authorities are prioritizing sustainable tourism y heritage preservation.

• Ecotourism Expansion: Promoting nature-based tourism to protect Colombia’s biodiversity.
• Cultural Heritage Tourism: Highlighting regions like Santa Marta, Cartagena, and the Coffee Triangle.

✈️ 4. Improving Infrastructure & Connectivity

To meet the demands of growing tourism, Colombia plans to modernize its airports and improve road infrastructure.

• Airport Upgrades: Expanding facilities to handle increased passenger volume.
• Enhanced Ground Connectivity: Improving road networks to link emerging destinations with major cities.

🏨 5. Incentives for Foreign Investment

To encourage foreign direct investment (FDI), the government is working to provide legal stability and attractive incentives.

• Tax Breaks for Tourism Projects: Promoting investment in hotels, resorts, and tourism infrastructure.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration to develop new tourism offerings.

🌟 Thinking about investing in Colombia’s tourism growth? Explore real estate opportunities:
👉 Browse investment options

How EVERYPLACE Can Help

With Colombia’s tourism sector experiencing record growth and exciting projections for 2025, now is the perfect time to invest in real estate or explore rental opportunities in the country’s top tourist destinations. EVERYPLACE is here to guide you every step of the way.

✅ Why Choose EVERYPLACE?

• Prime Locations: We offer properties in high-demand areas like Medellin, Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Bogota—all hotspots for international tourists.
• Short-Term & Long-Term Rentals: Whether you’re looking for Airbnb-style properties or long-term investments, we have a variety of rental options available.
• Expert Property Management: Our gestión de propiedades ensure that your investment remains profitable and hassle-free.

📍 Explore Your Options with EVERYPLACE

🔹 Find short-term rentals in Colombia: Short-term rentals
🔹 Looking for a long-term stay? Long-term rentals
🔹 Ready to invest? Browse properties for sale

👉 Contact EVERYPLACE today and start exploring opportunities in Colombia’s booming tourism sector!