Colombia, more connected and more visited
Between January and July, 2.7 million non-resident foreign visitors arrived in the country, representing a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2024
Throughout 2025, the country has maintained a positive balance in the tourism sector across most indicators, with growth in foreign visitor arrivals, air connectivity, and foreign currency generation.
The arrival of 2.7 million non-resident foreign visitors between January and July 2025, representing a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2024, is seen as a global vote of confidence, with the United States, with more than 700,000 visitors, remaining the leading source. However, the dynamism of neighboring countries such as Peru, with a 29% increase, and Brazil, with a 19.9% increase, is also notable.
Cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and Cali continue to be the most visited by foreign visitors, with shares of 35%, 24%, 19%, and 4% respectively. San Andrés, despite representing only 3%, stands out for its 57% growth in the number of international tourists it received during those months.
It's worth noting that the tourism boom is also possible thanks to the airport infrastructure, which opens the door to greater connectivity. During the first seven months of the year, 32.6 million passengers traveled across the country on domestic and international flights, representing an 8.4% increase, confirming Colombia's status as an important hub for the region.
But perhaps the most revealing figure is that of foreign currency, as USD 5.247 billion came in from tourism in the first half of 2025, representing an 11.4% increase over the same period in 2024 and far surpassing traditional sectors such as coffee (USD 2.685 billion) and coal (USD 2.372 billion).
“These results demonstrate an opportunity to rethink the national development model. Tourism is emerging as a resilient, inclusive sector capable of redistributing the country's wealth. Colombia is learning about the importance of presenting itself and better narrating its story. We must be aware of our fortunate diversity and use it intelligently, responsibly, and strategically,” says Paula Cortés Calle, Executive President of ANATO.
Source: Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Colombian Migration, DANE and Bank of the Republic.