The Colombian Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (Anato) revealed that Colombia has established itself as the third largest country in Latin America in terms of tourist arrivals, surpassed only by Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Globally, Colombia ranks 43rd in this sector, standing out for a notable growth rate in tourism revenue, which exceeds that of many nations that are in the highest positions in the ranking.
Paula Cortés Calle, executive president of Anato, expressed her satisfaction with this information, underlining that the transformation of the country's tourism image was fundamental in attracting a growing number of international visitors. Cortés pointed out that while better-known destinations have seen a rise in popularity, there has also been growing interest in exploring other, less-traveled regions of the country. This has led to an increase in the length of stays of tourists, with significant benefits for the Colombian economy.
The growth of tourism has had a significant economic impact, transforming the income from this activity into one of the most important pillars of the export of services in Colombia. To continue promoting these positive results, Anato and its associated travel agencies will continue to promote new destinations at international fairs and in the next edition of the Anato Tourist Showcase. Additionally, products and services that facilitate access to more international travel will be showcased.
President Gustavo Petro also said he was satisfied with this progress and shared his enthusiasm through his account on the X social network, stating: “We promise and we deliver.” His message underlines the government's commitment to the development of the tourism sector, which has been fundamental to the country's economic growth.
Colombia, together with Mexico and the Dominican Republic, has become a point of reference in Latin America thanks to its ability to attract foreign exchange through tourism. These three countries have proven to be prime destinations for travelers seeking unique experiences in the region.
As for the most visited destinations in Colombia in 2024, Anato published data highlighting the cities that received the highest number of foreign tourists until September. Bogotá leads the ranking with 1,368,553 visitors, followed by Antioquía with 854,187, Bolívar with 651,794 and Valle del Cauca with 185,363. These numbers reflect the diversity of attractions the country offers, from its rich history and culture to its impressive biodiversity.
This growth in tourism not only benefits larger cities, but also has a positive effect on local economies in lesser-known regions. As more and more tourists choose to explore different parts of Colombia, opportunities are created for small businesses and communities that depend on tourism activity.
With increasing air connectivity and improving tourism infrastructure, Colombia is increasingly positioning itself as an attractive destination for travelers from all over the world. Promotional campaigns and investments in improving services have contributed to this trend, making it easier for tourists to discover the charm and diversity of the country.
The future of tourism in Colombia looks promising. By focusing on sustainability and responsible development, the country has the opportunity to continue to grow as a leading tourist destination in Latin America. Initiatives to promote local culture, gastronomy and biodiversity are just some of the strategies that could attract even more visitors in the coming years.
In summary, Colombia is at a crucial moment for its tourism development. With government support and commitment from travel agencies, the country is well positioned to continue to grow in popularity and attract more international tourists, establishing itself as a top-tier destination in the region.
