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Why Colombia’s Tourism in 2025 Will Break All Records

Colombia’s tourism in 2025 is on track for a historic breakthrough, setting new records and redefining the country’s position on the global travel stage. Early 2025 data reveals a remarkable 6.8% increase in non-resident foreign visitors compared to the same period in 2024, with 1,191,623 international arrivals in just the first quarter. Semana Santa 2025 was a standout moment, attracting over 300,000 international visitors—surpassing the previous year’s figure of 275,787 and signaling strong seasonal demand.

Bogotá, the nation’s capital, plays a crucial role in this tourism surge, welcoming 621,513 international visitors between January and April 2025 .This is a 6.8% rise from last year’s numbers. This growth is fueled by Colombia’s diverse tourism offerings, improved security, and strategic promotion efforts. Industry leaders like Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council, affirm Colombia’s rising global appeal, noting that 2025 is projected to be the country’s best tourism year yet. Paula Cortés Calle, Executive president of ANATO, highlights Colombia ‘s rapid recovery and its surpassing of global expectations.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism has set an ambitious goal of reaching 7.5 million international visitors by the end of 2026, with 2025 serving as a pivotal year in achieving this target. Investments in sustainability, technology, and the diversification of destinations support Colombia’s tourism boom. This momentum confirms Colombia’s status as a top-tier destination offering authentic and varied experiences for international travelers.

Why is Colombia Becoming a Top Travel Destination for Foreigners?

Colombia is becoming a top travel destination for foreigners due to key factors:

1. Improved Security and Political Stability

Sustained efforts to enhance safety and growing international confidence in Colombia’s political environment have shifted global perceptions, making the country feel more welcoming and accessible than ever before.
2. Diverse and Vibrant Attractions

Colombia’s rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes—from bustling cities like Medellín and Bogotá to natural wonders—offer travelers a wide range of authentic experiences. Urban innovation and expanding cultural scenes in major cities have particularly boosted their appeal.
3. Enhanced Air Connectivity

There was a 12% increase in direct international flights in 2024, with airlines like JetSmart, Emirates, Gol, and Edelweiss adding routes. Air passenger traffic through Colombian airports rose by 3.4% in early 2025, with Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport becoming one of Latin America’s busiest hubs. Ongoing investments in airport infrastructure support this growth.
4. Proactive Government Promotion and Sustainable Tourism Initiatives

Campaigns such as MINCIT’s "Tourism in Harmony with Life" and ProColombia’s "Runways of Hidden Beauty" actively promote lesser-known destinations and sustainable travel, aligning with traveler trends favoring eco-friendly and personalized experiences
5. Digital Nomad Visa and Affordability

Since late 2022, Colombia’s Digital Nomad Visa has attracted remote workers by offering legal residency for up to two years. Combined with favorable exchange rates and a relatively low cost of living, Colombia becomes especially appealing for extended Colombia becomes especially appealing for extended stays.

These factors, supported by record-breaking visitor numbers and strategic marketing, have positioned Colombia as a rapidly rising star in global tourism, drawing travelers seeking authentic, diverse, and accessible experiences.

If you’re a foreigner thinking about traveling to Colombia, there’s never been a better time to make it happen. With easier flights, a welcoming vibe, and so many new places to discover, Colombia is ready to surprise you at every turn. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant cities or the rhythms of the Caribbean coast, you’ll find something unforgettable here.

To help you plan your adventure, we recommend downloading ProColombia’s free “Must See Destinations” guide. It’s packed with insider tips, highlights, and practical info to make your trip smoother and more memorable. Grab your copy here and start exploring everything Colombia has to offer!

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Download the guide Colombia: a must-see destination from ProColombia with helpful information about Medellín and Colombia

Medellin Guru's comprehensive Colombian culture series

In Medellin Guru, we love Colombia, and we usually write many blogs about Colombian culture, places to visit, and other tips for all expats to have a reliable guide and valuable and relevant information about Colombia. Read our blogs about Colombian Culture here:

Other things to see and do in Colombia

Caño Cristales – the most beautiful river in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful river in the world by some people.
Carnival in Barranquilla – the second largest carnival in the world.
Cartagena – Oozing history, romance and sun-drenched beaches, the allure of historical Cartagena is hard to resist.
Ciudad Perdida – the site of an ancient city in Colombia that is older than Machu Picchu in Peru.
Colombia’s Pacific coast – often overlooked by tourists visiting Colombia but offering untamed nature and undiscovered beauty that is off the beaten path for most foreign tourists.
Desierto de la Tatacoa – the second largest arid zone in Colombia is Tatacoa Desert, which has surreal desert landscapes and some of the best stargazing in Colombia.
Guatapé – a picturesque pueblo near Medellín known for its huge rock and lake. And it’s likely the most visited pueblo in Colombia by foreigners.
La Guajira Peninsula – one of the most visually stunning places in South America, which is located on the northern tip of Colombia where the desert meets the sea.
Las Lajas Sanctuary – the most beautiful church in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful church in the world.
Medellín’s Christmas lights – Medellín’s annual world-class Christmas lights known as Alumbrados Navideños.
Feria de Las Flores Medellin – Medellín’s world-famous flower festival each year.
Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados – a popular national park in Colombia located in the heart of the Colombian coffee region.
Parque Tayrona – known for its beautiful beaches and the world’s highest coastal mountain range.
Popayán – a colonial gem in Colombia best known for its white buildings and churches, it’s a city off the beaten path for foreign tourists but is definitely worth visiting.
Rio Claro Nature Reserve – located about three hours from Medellín, Rio Claro is the perfect place to unplug from hectic daily life and enjoy a picturesque crystal-clear river, canyon and tropical rainforest.
Salento and the Cocora Valley – Salento is a picturesque pueblo in Colombia’s coffee region and the nearby Cocora Valley is one of the most striking landscapes found in Colombia.
San Agustín Archaeological Park – the largest group of pre-Columbian monuments and megalithic statues in South America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
San Andrés – Colombia’s Caribbean island which is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve featuring many beaches, islets and coral reefs that are filled with flora and fauna.
San Gil – Colombia’s adventure capital that is full of things to do including white water rafting, paragliding, caving, rappelling, hiking and much more.
San Jose del Guaviare – a hidden gem and eco-tourism location off the beaten path and offering wildlife watching, jungle trekking and delving into Colombia’s prehistoric past.

The Bottom Line: Why Colombia’s Tourism in 2025 Will Break All Records

Ultimately, as Colombia Tourism 2025 gears up for a truly historic year, this nation’s vibrant energy is clearly about more than just short visits. For the rapidly growing community of expats in Colombia, this unprecedented surge signifies a thriving, dynamic environment offering unparalleled cultural richness, stunning landscapes, and a genuinely welcoming embrace. Whether you’re contemplating a permanent move to cities like Medellín or Bogotá, or are already enjoying life here, Colombia continues to solidify its place as an enriching and exciting home for foreigners on the global stage.