Colombia’s Tourism Income Grew by 22.4% in 2023

In 2023, Colombia experienced a record income of more than $9 billion USD from air transportation of passengers and travel, representing an increase of 22.4% compared to the previous year, according to nation’s central bank.

This figure also reflects a 70% increase compared to the levels recorded in 2020, indicating a notable recovery in the tourism sector following the challenges arising from the pandemic.

The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Germán Umaña Mendoza, highlighted that the increase in foreign currency from these exports derived from tourism services “is related to the record arrival of non-resident visitors that we had in 2023. This meant for our economy a greater dynamics of consumption and spending in the sectors associated with tourism, and had a very positive effect on the territories visited.”

According to data from Migración Colombia, the arrival of non-resident visitors increased significantly in 2023, exceeding 5.8 million, which represents a growth of 26.6% compared to the previous year. Of these, non-resident foreigners made up 64.3% of the total, with 3.8 million arrivals, marking an increase of 26.2%.

Colombians residing abroad also played an important role, with 1.5 million arrivals to the country in 2023, representing 26.0% of the total and experiencing an increase of 22% compared to the previous year.

There was also a large increase in the arrival of cruise passengers, reaching a total of 345,285 in 2023 — a massive spike of 106% compared to the previous year. The arrival of non-resident visitors from Venezuela totaled 233,704 travelers, 1% less than the previous year.

“This data underlines the crucial role that international tourism plays in the Colombian economy, both in the generation of foreign currency and in the promotion of economic development and job creation,” said Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia.