Colombia’s tourism sector is experiencing record growth, with international arrivals increasing significantly in 2024 and this year, key performances include record – breaking visitor numbers, remarkable contributions to the national GDP and job creation, and growing diversification of tourism offerings and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projects that 2025 will be the strongest year for the Colombian tourism sector in terms of economic contribution, employment and international spending.
The South American country continues to attract tourists with its natural beauty, cultural experiences, and a strong push to become a leading global destination and it is estimated that the sector will reach a contribution of $21.6 billiom to the GDP, which would represent 5.1% of the country total economy, breaking all previous records.
Colombia’s tourism success is driven by its unique biodiversity and cultural wealth coupled with strong governmental promotion, improved air connectivity, focus on safety and a large diversification of products and destinations.
Other factors linked to the South American country’s success are the strategic and effective marketing campaign led by ProColombia, governmental agency in charge of promoting international tourism, non - traditional exports and foreign investment, investment in infrastructure and accommodation, a growing focus on sustainable community - based tourism (CBT) empowering local communities, providing economic benefits and supporting to conserve natural and cultural resources are all elements that helped change global perceptions of the Latin American country, establishing it as a desirable and must - visit destination.
A further relevant driver is that the tourism businesses in Colombia are implementing innovative practices in their management, commercialization, and sales, which is crucial for maintaining an active, positive and propositive tourism development with the promotion of a diversified and varied offering in the international landscape, all actions that represent an engine and another key factor for Colombia tourism boom.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s 2025 Economic Impact Report (EIR) prepared in collaboration with Oxford Economics, the Colombian tourism sector is expected to support 1.3 million jobs, equivalent to 5.7% of the national total worforce, which would also set a record for tourism employment in the Latin American country.
In addition, international tourist spending is expected to reach an all - time high of $10.5 billion, reflecting a steady growth in global demand for Colombian destinations.
Taking a look back at 2024, tourism sector in Colombia had already shown notable signs of strength. The activity contributed $21 billion to GDP, representing 5% of the national total, and exceeded 1.2 millions jobs, equivalent at 5.4% of the total.
International travel accounted for 64.8% of total spending, while domestic travel accounted for 35.2%, contributing $10.3 billion and $5.6 billion, respectively.
Leisure travel dominated demand accounting for 87.3% of spending, compared to 12.7% for business travel.
The main source markets were :
• The United States – 21%
• Mexico – 9%
• Ecuador – 6%
• Chile – 5%
• Venezuela – 5%
WTTC President and CEO, Julia Simpson said that Colombia reaffirms its position as a powerful tourism destination on a global scale. The sector has shown extraordinary evolution and 2025 is projected to become its best year to date.
With growing international demand, improvements in connectivity and a strong commitment to promotion, the country has everything to ensure that tourism continues to be a strategic axis of growth, inclusion and regional development.
Concerning projections of the Travel and Tourism sector towards 2035, the WTTC forecasts that Colombia will reach $26.5 billion, with a growth more than 2.1% year - on - year.
In addition the World Travel & Tourism Council projects that tourism will support 1.8 million jobs over the next decade, with the incorporation of more than 400.000 new jobs in the sector during this period.
Colombia’s tourism outlook is highly positive, with the sector experiencing record visitor numbers in 2024, a very positive current year and ambitious goals to reach 7.5 million international visitors by 2026.
The Colombian government is investing in sustainable tourism, technology, and infrastructure to support the sector, which is seen as a critical economic engine, and there is a focus within key emerging trends include the diversification beyond traditional hubs, increased investment in adventure and eco - tourism, the growing popularity of medical and cruise travel, all elemernts that consolidate Colombia as a leading destination in the region. today and in the coming years
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