Non-resident visitor arrivals to Colombia grew 6.7% in March 2026 compared to the same month of the previous year, and the country received 1,584,378 non-resident visitors during the first quarter, according to figures from Migración Colombia processed by the Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y Turismo.

In March alone, 541,720 non-resident visitors entered the country. Of that total, 419,150 were foreign non-resident visitors, representing 5.3% year-over-year growth, while the cruise segment recorded 58,186 passengers, a 41.2% increase over the same month in 2025.

For executives and investors evaluating Colombia’s tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors, the data indicate continued recovery in international arrivals and a measurable expansion of cruise traffic, two segments that directly affect hotel occupancy, retail spending in coastal cities such as Cartagena and Santa Marta, and the pipeline of inbound foreign exchange.

“Colombian tourism is going through a significant period of international expansion. Colombia is recording sustained growth in visitor arrivals while strengthening its connectivity and expanding its presence in strategic markets,” said Diana Marcela Morales Rojas, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.

Air connectivity figures

According to the Aeronáutica Civil de Colombia (Aerocivil), 4,483,077 passengers were transported on scheduled flights in February 2026, a 9.4% increase compared to the same month of the prior year. International arrivals grew 11.9% while domestic traffic increased 7.3%.

Between January and February 2026, scheduled flights moved 9,906,749 passengers, an 8.2% increase over the same period in 2025. The figures reflect ongoing expansion in commercial aviation capacity into Colombian airports, including the principal international gateways in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and Cali.

Mexico airport campaign tied to World Cup

Following Colombia’s participation as guest of honor at the Tianguis Turístico de México, the Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y Turismo signed an agreement with more than 20 Mexican airports to display the country’s “Descubre la Diversidad de Colombia, El País de la Belleza” campaign during the FIFA World Cup season.

The campaign will run in terminals operated by the Mexican federal government, including airports in Mexico City, Toluca, Tulum, and Cancún. The Mexican market represents one of the larger sources of regional intra-Latin American travel and is expected to see elevated transit volumes during the World Cup, which Mexico will co-host with the United States and Canada in summer 2026.

“Colombia is positioning itself as an increasingly visible and competitive destination in international markets. These alliances allow us to expand the country’s presence in strategic global venues, increase visitor arrivals, and continue positioning tourism as an engine of economic development for the regions,” Morales Rojas said.

The ministry indicated that Colombia’s presence at the Tianguis Turístico also produced bilateral conversations on expanding air connectivity and promotional cooperation with Mexican tourism operators, though specific route announcements or carrier commitments tied to the agreement were not disclosed.

Above photo: Mexico pavilion at the 2015 ANATO Vitrina Turistica trade show in Bogotá (photo: Loren Moss)

Avianca’s new route is expected to strengthen connections to more than 75 destinations across the Americas and Europe. Passengers can now purchase tickets via Avianca’s website, mobile app, physical sales points, and travel agencies.

David Alemán, Avianca’s Director of Sales for Colombia and South America, highlighted the expansion: “2024 has been significant for our Bogotá route network, with the return of key destinations such as Caracas, Paris, Montreal, Chicago, and Aeroparque (Buenos Aires). Adding Tulum to our network further enhances connectivity, providing travelers from over 25 countries access to the Riviera Maya.”

Flight Schedule for the Bogotá-Tulum Route:

• Bogotá to Tulum: Flight AV94 departs at 12:30 PM and arrives at 4:00 PM (local time) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, starting December 10.
• Tulum to Bogotá: Flight AV95 departs at 5:05 PM and arrives at 8:25 PM (local time).

Avianca’s current network between Colombia and Mexico includes routes from Bogotá to Mexico City and Cancún, as well as from Medellín to the same destinations. With the addition of Tulum, Avianca will offer nine routes and 87 weekly flights between Colombia, Central America, and Mexico.

Avianca’s Mexico Routes:

• From Bogotá: Mexico City, Cancún, and starting in December, Tulum.
• From Medellín: Mexico City and Cancún.
• From Central America: Routes from Guatemala City, San Salvador, and San José to various destinations in Mexico.

Tulum has become a key destination in the Riviera Maya. In 2023, over 1.8 million travelers visited to explore sites such as the Kukulcán Castle, Playa Paraíso, and the Sian Ka’an National Park, which attracts nature enthusiasts and divers. Tulum is also known for its music festivals and natural phenomena, including the spring equinox, when the sun illuminates the interior of Kukulcán Castle.

Avianca’s expansion to Tulum is part of the airline’s broader strategy to increase its presence in key markets and offer more travel options across Latin America.