What's New
Colombia’s tourism industry is fully recovered. In 2022, the country reached 4.6 million visitors, the largest number ever registered. It has been featured in relevant media across the globe, such as Lonely Planet, Forbes, CNN, and the New York Times, as a must-go-to destination for 2023. No doubt: Colombia is a hidden gem for travelers.
Colombia’s meetings industry is booming. Last year, the country exceeded the goal of attracting international events by registering 348 meetings. In 2022, more than 160,000 travelers visited Colombia for events, business, and other professional purposes, which surpassed the number of visitors registered in 2021. And, during the first quarter of 2023, more than 48,600 international travelers had already been to Colombia for business and events, 32% more than between Jan.-March 2022.
Some of the most important events hosted in Colombia in recent years have been the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization, the 16th World Summit of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, and FIEXPO, among others.
In addition to all these facts, here are five reasons that prove why Colombia should be the best choice for event planners looking for their next destination!
1. Colombia is leading the meetings industry on the continent: In the latest report, in 2022, by the International Association of Congresses and Conventions (ICCA), Colombia remains among the Top 30 destinations with the most significant number of events held, going from 29th to 28th place worldwide and occupying third place in South America.
Colombia is closer than you think, and it has unparalleled air connectivity. The country connects to the world with over 1,200 weekly international flights operated by 25 airlines.
2. Affordable prices: According to a study by ProColombia — the promotion agency of the country — and the firm STA Consultores, the cost of an event in Colombia is 60% cheaper than in Mexico and 75% cheaper than in the United States.
3. Colombia is closer than you think: Colombia connects to the world with over 1,200 weekly international flights operated by 25 airlines. In North America, 11 cities in the United States are directly connected to nine cities in Colombia through seven airlines, with more than 60,000 seats available between the two countries. As for Canada, the country is directly connected via Toronto and Montreal, with Bogotá and Cartagena, through Air Canada and Avianca. Air Transat also connects Cartagena with Toronto between November and April.
4. World-class quality service and infrastructure: This industry in Colombia is also known for its innovation, quality of service, and a strong sense of sustainability across the tourism chain. Furthermore, the country has excellent infrastructure with 27 convention centers, more than 120 non-traditional venues, and 455 hotels with meeting rooms across the territory.
5. Meaningful experiences: There is a global trend in the meetings industry to spread awareness around huge events, and Colombia aims to become a key player. Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia, said, “We are committed to being an exemplary meetings destination. We want planners to think of our country as a place where they can leave a legacy and do business with a touch of culture and, above all, with a touch of consciousness,” she concluded.
Contact for more information
Juan Sebastián Sánchez, Tourism Specialist Toronto
[email protected]
+1 (416) 3639 225 Ext. 63611
https://colombia.travel/en/meetings