Receptive tourism, a fundamental pillar in the development and growth of the Colombian economy

Receptive tourism for Colombia has been a fundamental aspect in the growth of the inflow of foreign currency, foreign investment, promotion of the regions and generation of strategies to strengthen the competitiveness of providers of tourism products and services.

During the first quarter of 2023, 1,058,594 foreign visitors arrived in the country, according to ANATO calculations, based on data from Migración Colombia, which meant a 47% growth, if compared to the same period in 2022, or an increase of 6% when contrasted with the first quarter of 2019.

“The recovery of incoming tourism has been representative and higher than the rates that were presented prior to the pandemic. This has a positive impact on the different destinations in our country and on the inflow of foreign currency, which for 2022 was US$7,368 million, with a variation of 9%, compared to 2019. According to the dynamics, for the start of this year, we estimate that this figure will increase by the end of 2023," said Paula Cortés Calle, executive president of ANATO. 

The main nationalities in the entry of foreigners for reasons of tourism, events and business, between January and March of this year, were: United States, with a participation of 26%; Venezuela, with 8%; Ecuador, with 7%; Mexico, with 6%; and Peru, with 5%.

However, the nationalities with the highest growth figures in the arrival of foreigners were: Panama, with an increase of 106%; Brazil, 101%; Costa Rica, 120%; and Canada, 106%. 

"The above shows the interest of new markets to get to know Colombia, so it is essential to create actions to extend the stay time of international travelers and increase the entry of foreign currency, as well as the implementation of policies and incentives for tourism as a fundamental element towards the energy transition”, explained the union leader.