Colombia Reports Rise in Non-Resident Visitor Arrivals as Tourism Grows

Colombia has recorded a steady increase in non-resident visitor arrivals, with recent data from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism showing a 9% rise in arrivals from January to September 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. The report, based on figures from Migración Colombia, indicates that 4,798,676 non-resident visitors entered Colombia during this period, up from 4,402,953 the previous year.

Excluding Venezuelan nationals, foreign visitor numbers grew by 10.9%, reaching 3,157,951 compared to 2,847,393 over the same timeframe in 2023. Returning Colombian residents also increased, with 1,264,145 arrivals, a rise from 1,149,097 in 2023.

The United States continues to be the primary source of foreign visitors, accounting for 27.1% of international arrivals, followed by Mexico, Ecuador, and Venezuela.

Regional Destinations

Bogotá remains the leading destination for international visitors, attracting 37.4% of total non-resident arrivals from January to September 2024. Other popular regions include Antioquia, Bolívar, and Valle del Cauca.

In September alone, Colombia saw 338,098 non-resident foreign visitors, representing an 8.3% increase from the 312,056 arrivals in September 2023.

Government Initiatives and Minister’s Statement

Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism Luis Carlos Reyes Hernández, commented on the country’s strategy to strengthen non-traditional destinations through community-based tourism projects. “The government’s efforts are drawing international visitors interested not only in our biodiversity and cuisine but in cultural and peace-centered experiences throughout the regions,” he said, emphasizing the country’s aim to lead in inclusive and sustainable tourism development.

Air Travel Connectivity and Passenger Movement

Air travel data from Aerocivil underscores the growth in passenger movement, with 36.5 million air passengers between January and August 2024, marking a 16.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Of this total, 21,396,807 passengers traveled on domestic flights, while 15,127,233 were on international flights.

Domestic air travel saw a 13.7% rise, while international travel increased by 16.3% over the period. Pereira reported the largest growth in domestic passenger arrivals at 34.2%, followed by Bogotá at 20.9%. Among international destinations, San Andrés saw a 61% rise in arrivals, and Cúcuta recorded a 38.9% increase compared to 2023.

Tourism Promotion Campaign

The “Colombia, El País de la Belleza” campaign has played a role in enhancing the country’s visibility on the global stage, insists the minister. “Our campaign has positioned Colombia as a well-known destination with much to offer, contributing to the rise in visitor numbers,” Minister Reyes added. The government aims to continue strengthening all aspects of the tourism value chain to meet the needs of non-resident visitors and support a diversified tourism offering.

Bogota photo courtesy of Cushman & Wakefield.