Colombia stands on the verge of becoming, perhaps, the “Amazon of tourism.” It’s steadily becoming a favored spot on platforms like Airbnb, Booking, Despegar, and Expedia. A blend of tech advances and increased international interest is really giving the tourism sector a boost.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism reports that in 2024, Colombia saw about 6.7 million international visitors, which is around an 8% jump from the previous year. And the country’s aiming to draw in about 7.5 million visitors by the close of 2025, thanks to some ambitious and modern initiatives.
A Digital Revolution in Tourism
The Colombian tourism landscape is changing quickly, driven by how consumer tastes are evolving alongside digital tech. Juan Camilo Vargas, executive director at Asohost (the Colombian Association of Tourism Service Providers through Digital Platforms), points out that “the setup of the tourism sector has seen some pretty big changes”. You see this in initiatives like Tourism 4.0, which is run by FONTUR and aims to help over 2,000 small service providers go digital by automating how reservations and payments work. Plus, they’re setting up a Tourism Innovation Observatory to map out strategic plans across all 32 of Colombia’s departments, working towards a joined-up approach to becoming more modern.
Over in Bogotá, tech’s making visits better through things like Candelaria, which is a generative AI chatbot. It’s there all day and night, giving personalized suggestions and itineraries for museums, parks, restaurants, and other sites. It really helps make the capital more accessible and interesting for visitors. All of this is in line with ProColombia’s goal to make the country a frontrunner in forward-thinking tourism on a global scale.
Expanding Connectivity and Cultural Appeal
To get to that 2025 visitor goal, Colombia is mixing tech advancements with some well-thought-out infrastructure and cultural promotion. New international flights, like Madrid-Cali and Aeromexico’s to Cartagena, are opening up access to popular places. At the same time, the country is making good use of its rich culture and food scene to pull in travelers who want real, authentic experiences. From lively festivals to world-class food, digital platforms are helping to shine a light on these offerings and make them easier to find.
Click here to preview your posts with PRO themes ››
Airbnb is putting $250 million into becoming a universal platform, which just shows where things are headed. It’s moving beyond just places to stay and starting to offer curated experiences like food tours, cultural events, and wellness stuff. This fits with Colombia’s focus on making travel more personal and immersive, catering to what today’s travelers are looking for—something unique and flexible.
The Rise of Tourist Housing
Tourist housing, or private spots like houses and apartments that people rent out to visitors, has turned into a key part of Colombian tourism sector. The National Tourism Registry shows that there are around 63,676 tourist homes registered. That is about 57% of all tourism service providers, way more than you see with hotels (18,945) and travel agencies (16,208). These accommodations, which are mostly handled through Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Despegar, Booking, and Expedia, offer a level of flexibility and personalization that clicks with today’s travelers.
This setup has sparked a wider world of innovation, giving rise to tech startups, professional management companies, and supporting services like interior design, laundry, and providers of local experiences. Vargas points out that “tourist housing has become the new business community in the sector,” really emphasizing its role as a driver for economic growth and new ideas.
A Promising Future for Colombian Tourism
The Colombian tourism sector is really at a turning point, pushed forward by tech innovation, investments that are well thought out, and an increasing reputation as a top destination. From AI chatbots and automated booking to more flights and a boom in tourist housing, Colombia seems set to become a major player in global tourism. Colombia’s tourism scene is really taking off, changing how we see a top travel spot. They’re shooting for 7.5 million tourists by 2025, and Colombia’s cool mix of culture and new tech puts it way ahead in tourism worldwide, all set to give visitors a big, warm welcome.