How Motorcycles Are Adding to Colombia’s Economy

With a population of 48 million, Colombia has a lot of vehicles. Many of them are motorcycles. Due to both awful traffic conditions in the capital and the cost of automobiles in a country that remains a middle-income emerging economy, the bike market is vibrant and continues to raise its profile.

Earlier this year, the Feria de las 2 Ruedas 2016 conference showcased the industry’s impact on the economy. Throughout the sector, sales are projected at over $150 million USD in 2016, according to the event’s organizers, including motorcycles, parts, and accessories.

Even the event itself had a significant impact, with more than 300 direct jobs coming from the four-day fair this May in Medellín and an estimated 5,000 indirect jobs among suppliers and exhibitors. This doesn’t even count the secondary revenue Feria de las 2 Ruedas brings to the city in terms of tourist dollars for hotels, travel, food, and shopping.

Among the record-breaking 58,000 visitors who came this year, many were international. In addition to travelers from the United States, most countries in Latin America, and many nations in Europe, the organizers counted visitors from Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand.

The Medellin City Hall also used Feria de las 2 Ruedas to promote is driving awareness campaign for motorcyclists, using its forums and symposiums as the jumping off point for larger discussions about the role of the bikers in a city chocked full of them. Organizers say that at least 170 people took part in these civic debates.