In 2024, Colombia achieved a significant milestone by welcoming 6.2 million international tourists, surpassing the initial projection of 6 million visitors for the entire year. This accomplishment establishes the country as one of the most attractive destinations in Latin America, bolstered by a consistent increase in non-resident arrivals.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, this historic achievement was made possible by a consistent rise in international flight arrivals and efforts to diversify tourism experiences. In the first ten months of 2024, Colombia welcomed 5.3 million non-resident visitors, marking a 9.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This growth trend indicates that the country could potentially reach 6.5 million international tourists by 2025.

El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, the main entry point for international tourists, welcomed its 6.2 millionth visitor. This traveler arrived from São Paulo, Brazil, with Cúcuta, Norte de Santander, as their final destination.

The government has emphasized its focus on ecological, community-based, and sustainable tourism, aligned with its 2022-2026 Sectoral Tourism Plan. This plan aims to strengthen regions with high tourism potential, such as the Colombian Pacific and La Guajira, promoting a comprehensive tourism model that combines the country’s natural and cultural wealth with direct interaction with local communities.

Domestic tourism has also shown positive results. According to the Internal Tourism Expenditure Survey, the percentage of people undertaking recreational trips increased to 7.8% in major cities, while the average daily per capita expenditure for these trips rose by 14.9% compared to the previous year.

Colombia’s record comes within the context of a global tourism recovery, according to the UNWTO Tourism Barometer. Between January and September 2024, international arrivals reached 98% of 2019 levels, with 1.1 billion tourists recorded worldwide. Regions such as the Middle East and Africa even surpassed pre-pandemic levels, while Latin America and the Caribbean experienced a near 97% recovery.

Colombia is emerging as a key player in this global scenario, leveraging increased air connectivity and improved visa facilitation to attract a growing number of international visitors. With these strategies in place, the country is well-positioned to continue expanding its presence in the regional and global tourism markets.