Colombia continues to establish itself as one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Latin America, with a significant increase in the number of non-resident visitors during the first half of 2024.

According to an analysis by the Office of Economic Studies of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, based on figures from Migration Colombia, the country received 3,115,341 non-resident visitors, representing an increase of 8.5% compared to the same period last year.

The main arrival destinations were Bogota, Antioquia and Bolivar, evidencing the preference of tourists for these emblematic regions. Of the registered visitors, 2,144,765 were non-resident foreigners, marking an increase of 11.1% with respect to the first half of 2023. In June 2024, Colombia welcomed 359,851 non-resident foreigners, 9.8% more than in the same month last year.

The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Luis Carlos Reyes Hernández, highlighted that “the figures continue to confirm the work we are carrying out in the Government of Change to consolidate Colombia, the country of beauty, as a tourist power not only in Latin America, but also in the world. We want sustainable tourism to be, in the coming years, the engine of our country's economy”.

The growth in tourism is complemented by a notable increase in domestic air traffic, with 16 million passengers traveling on domestic flights, representing a 12% increase compared to the first half of 2023. In addition, foreign direct investment in the trade, restaurant and hotel sectors reached USD 526 million in the first three months of 2024, up 21.3% from the same period last year.

Exports in the travel account also showed a positive performance, with revenues of USD 2,536 million in the first quarter of 2024, representing a 19% increase compared to the same period of 2023.

These figures ratify Colombia as one of the preferred tourist destinations in Latin America, highlighting the cultural, community and gastronomic experiences offered by the country. In addition, the focus on sustainability, productivity and respect for nature is strengthening non-traditional tourism territories, consolidating Colombia as a benchmark in sustainable tourism worldwide.

Bibliography:

Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism