Colombia has reached a historic milestone by welcoming 6.2 million non-resident tourists in 2024, surpassing its initial goal of 6 million. The achievement was celebrated at Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport, where the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism gave a symbolic welcome to the 6.2 millionth visitor.
Minister Luis Carlos Reyes Hernández credited this success to Colombia’s focus on sustainable and community-driven tourism. He emphasized the country’s ability to offer unique experiences highlighting its natural beauty, cultural richness, and resilience.
According to data from Civil Aviation and Migration Colombia, 5.3 million non-resident visitors arrived up to October 2024, representing a 9.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This growth positions Colombia as a key destination in South America.
The trend builds on 2023’s figures, which showed 5.5 million tourists, marking a 26.1% increase compared to 2022. The results reflect the effectiveness of the 2022-2026 Tourism Sector Plan, which aims to promote emerging destinations such as the Colombian Pacific and La Guajira, while fostering public-private partnerships.
El Dorado Airport: A Key Player
El Dorado Airport, Colombia’s main international gateway, has been critical to accommodating the surge in tourist arrivals. Operating with a capacity of 74 movements per hour, the airport employs advanced Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) to optimize efficiency. This capacity is carefully divided between 34 arrivals and 40 departures per hour, ensuring seamless operations.
The Colombian government has invested 217 billion pesos (approximately USD 52 million) in infrastructure improvements at El Dorado in 2024, aimed at enhancing the airport’s capacity and efficiency. Meanwhile, a strategic focus on connectivity redistributes routes, with El Dorado concentrating on European, Caribbean, and North American East Coast destinations.
Avianca, a major contributor to Colombian tourism, noted that 90% of international visitors arrive by air, underscoring the importance of aviation in the country’s tourism strategy. The 6.2 millionth tourist, who arrived on an Avianca flight from São Paulo, Brazil, symbolized this vital connection.
While international tourism flourishes, domestic tourism also shows robust growth. According to the Internal Tourism Expenditure Survey, 7.8% of Colombians took recreational trips in 2024, an increase of 0.8% compared to 2023. Air transport played a central role, with usage rising by 56.6%, reflecting the growing preference for air travel.
The Future of Colombian Tourism
With the #ElPaísDeLaBelleza campaign and the 2022-2026 Tourism Sector Plan, Colombia aims to maintain its momentum by investing in sustainable and community-centric tourism. El Dorado Airport will continue to play a vital role as the country strengthens its position as a premier South American destination.
This milestone not only celebrates a record-breaking year but also sets a foundation for the future, where Colombia’s natural and cultural treasures attract even more global visitors.
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