WTTC: Colombian tourism to grow 24% in the first half of the year

22-03-24

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), together with ForwardKeys, estimates that during the first half of 2024, the number of international tourists visiting Colombia will increase by 24% over the same period last year. 

According to the latest study by WTTC and ForwardKeys, a partner of the agency and leader in commercial air booking data and analysis, Colombia will rank third among Latin American countries with the highest year-on-year growth in international tourist arrivals. 

Spain (+32%), the United States (+27%) and Canada (+22%), are the issuing countries that represent the highest growth among foreign markets, compared to the same period in 2023.

At a press conference, Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President of the WTTC, said that "Colombia continues to demonstrate its resilience and the power of public-private collaboration in the Travel & Tourism sector. With positive figures, it demonstrates its consolidation as a global benchmark tourism destination".

At the event, which was also attended by William Fernando Camargo, Minister of Transportation of Colombia; Arturo Bravo, Vice Minister of Tourism; Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of the UNWTO, and Paula Cortés Calle, Executive President of ANATO, the Senior Vice President of the WTTC assured that these results are thanks to the coordinated work between the public and private sectors.

According to Olivier Ponti, VP Insights ForwardKeys, the extraordinary results that Colombia expects to experience reflect the success of its marketing strategy based on decision-making through data solutions. "These achievements are the fruit of coordinated work between the public and private sectors, evidencing the nation's ability to intelligently leverage information and market trends."

"Colombia demonstrates not only quantitative growth, but also strategic targeting of source markets such as the U.S. or Spain. The positive results not only boost the tourism sector, but also contribute significantly to economic growth and employment, marking a milestone for the country in the international arena" added Oliver Ponti.

It is worth noting that the urban destinations with the highest levels of bookings for international arrivals during the first half of 2024 are Medellin and Cartagena, with an increase of 57% and 34%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.

Travel from Colombia is forecast to increase 31% year-on-year in 1H2024. The United States (+40%), Spain (+26%) and Mexico (+17%) will be the main destinations for Colombian travelers.

As of 2022, Colombia's Travel & Tourism sector exceeded its contribution levels to national GDP, relative to pre-pandemic levels, with a contribution of US$14.9 billion; that is, 2.6% above 2019.

Similarly, in employment levels, the sector accounted for 1.25 million jobs, or 5.6% of total employment in the country, exceeding 2019 levels by 2.6%.