Colombia: 70% of travel agencies report sales growth during the first quarter of 2026

The Colombian tourism sector continues to demonstrate its resilience and dynamism. According to the results of ANATO's most recent Quarterly Survey (ETA), corresponding to the first quarter of 2026, 70% of the travel agencies surveyed registered an increase in sales compared to the same period of the previous year.

The data reveals robust growth: 22.6% of respondents reported increases of between 10% and 19%, while a remarkable 17.4% indicated that their sales climbed between 20% and 49%. These figures confirm that travel planning remains a priority for Colombians.

"The results of this first quarter reflect consumer confidence and the adaptability of our member travel agencies," said Paula Cortés Calle, executive president of ANATO, adding, "Seeing that 70% of companies are growing motivates us to continue working on policies that strengthen connectivity and competitiveness. Today's traveler is not only looking for traditional destinations, but also personalized and sustainable experiences, and travel agencies are responding with technological innovation and an increasingly diverse offering."

ANATO's analysis identifies travelers' geographic preferences:
Domestic destinations: Cartagena remains in the lead (49.6%), followed by a virtual tie between San Andrés and Santa Marta (42.6%), while Bucaramanga (5.2%) and the Amazon (5.2%) are approaching the top 10.
International destinations: The United States (38.3%) and Spain (31.3%) are consolidating their position as favorites, with a growing presence of destinations such as Mexico (27.8%), Punta Cana, and the Dominican Republic (27.0%).

Furthermore, the report details that, in terms of sales structure, international tour packages lead with 32.7%, closely followed by domestic packages (24.5%). In the individual services category, airfare maintains its lead with 47.1% of demand, followed by accommodation with 31.2%.

A key finding of the ETA survey is the transformation in customer requests. Travelers are demanding personalized trips, flexible packages, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their itinerary planning.

Exotic and sustainable destinations are also emerging strongly. Domestically, places like Nuquí and the Amazon are gaining popularity, while internationally, inquiries about Thailand, Guatemala, and Africa reflect a consumer seeking wellness experiences, healing, and a deep connection with nature.

Source: ANATO