The magnificent beaches on Colombia's Caribbean coast are just one of the attractions drawing tourists from all over the world to Colombia.
The tourism industry has been hit hard with the recent economic downturn, however tourism in Colombia keeps on rising. According to a study done by the National Police, the number of foreigners visiting the country has increased by more than 125% since 2002. The South American nation has also shot up 12 places in the worldwide ranking for congress and convention tourism set by the ICCA (International Congress & Convention Association), it currently ranks in at 38th place, compared to its 50th place position in 2007.
Coastal destinations such as Santa Marta and Cartagena, which have long been the most popular domestic tourist destinations for Colombians, as well as the capital Bogota, are where the vast majority of foreign traffic has been reported, seen, and felt. Although it bears mentioning that the small town of Pasto, in the southwestern part of the country has reported a jaw-dropping 1143% increase in tourism for the period of January to March of this year compared to 2008.
There are many underlying reasons for why Colombia is experiencing arguably one of the most important recoveries in Latin America, but undoubtedly the huge improvement in terms of security is what has made it all possible. The efforts made by the Colombian Government to reassert control through the country have been met with amazing results. The extremely publicized kidnappings by left-wing guerrillas which plagued the country in the 80’s and 90’s have been drastically reduced. To date there are only 125 confirmed hostages being held for ransom, which to put into perspective, is significantly less than many other popular tourist destinations such as Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador and South Africa. It is clearly evident that Colombia has lost its status as the “kidnapping capital of the world”.
Colombia is one of the countries leading the way in two growing tourism trends: the eco-tourism wave, and the ultra-chic “health tourism” dominated by cosmetic surgeries. Colombia’s modern private healthcare system is available throughout the country, and any foreigner can purchase a health coverage plan for a fraction of what it costs in the United States. But even without health insurance, you can get a top-notch medical procedure done for a shockingly low price. I had a Lasik-eye surgery done in 2008 under my health coverage plan. Even without a plan the price would have only been $200 USD. It would have been impossible to get the same surgery done for less than $2000 USD in the United States.
Because Colombia is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world, and has more species of birds than any other country, it is no wonder that eco-tourism has taken off there. Bird touring, for example is a fast growing business which brings in hundreds of foreign tourists each year. Colombia has over 1800 species making it the most diverse country for bird watching in the world.
Another important factor contributing to the increase in foreigners visiting Colombia has to do with the boom in foreign investment. In 2008, 80% of the foreign investment in all of South America was concentrated in just three countries: Brazil, Chile and Colombia. Foreign investment is welcomed with open arms in Colombia. Foreign investors enjoy the same rights as locals, and are granted full ownership titles. Many foreigners travel back and forth from their country of origin to Colombia to manage their businesses or real estate investments, or simply relax in their vacation home.
As the country’s political and economic situation improves, the real estate market will become stronger and investment and development opportunities will abound attracting not only tourists but investors and expats too. Many people are realizing that there has never been a better time than now to discover Colombia.
Related Articles:
- Colombia improved 12 positions in the world ranking of congress and convention tourism
- With Rebels on the Run, Colombia Is for the Birds – And Binoculars
- Kipnapping Statistics
- Colombia antoja cada vez más a extranjeros
- Aumenta 11,2 por ciento los viajeros extranjeros a Colombia
- La inversión extranjera en América Latina
Kudos:
- Thanks to Fred Fraces for the lovely photo
About the Author
Currently residing in Argentina, Stephanie has lived and traveled throughout the Americas and Europe. She holds a Bachelors' degree in Business Administration from Babson College in Boston, and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Sustainable Development at the Universidad de Ciencias Empresariales y Sociales in Buenos Aires.
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