Colombia, South America is developing a new reputation: This is a country for adventure, sun, sand and nature. And in 2013, nearly 3,750,000 international travelers visited Colombia, representing over 7% growth from 2012. This, according to data from Proexport Colombia (the government entity charged with tourism and promotion).

The Florida-Carribbean Cruise Association held FCCA 2013 in Cartegena, which is one of the top five meeting destinations in Columbia. Courtesy image

The Florida-Carribbean Cruise Association held FCCA 2013 in Cartegena, which is one of the top five meeting destinations in Colombia. Courtesy image

The number of business travelers that visited Colombia in 2013 increased over 51% from 2012. Popular cities include Barranquilla, Bogota, Cali, Cartegena and Medelllin.

Meetings and Events in Colombia

It seems that the international meetings community is also paying attention to Colombia. It ranked 29th in the 2013 International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) annual meetings report, which measures the number of events organized by international associations in the country.

  • Colombia climbed two and five positions from the 2011 and 2009 rankings respectively.
  • In 2013, Colombia hosted 138 congresses. Examples of events being hosted in Colombia from the U.S. including several large meetings and events for US corporations.

Other reasons to consider Colombia include:

  • Food & beverage costs are about 60% lower than in the U.S.
  • AV service costs are about 80% than in the U.S.
  • Breakfast typically included in hotel rates
  • Colombia does not require a VISA
  • Easy access to US cities
Coferias is an international exhibition and conference center in the city of Bogota, Columbia. Bogota is one of the most visited cities in Columbia for meetings, incentives and business. Courtesy image

Coferias is an international exhibition and conference center in the city of Bogota, Colombia. Bogota is one of the most visited cities in Colombia for meetings, incentives and business. Courtesy image

Business Hotels in Colombia

Colombia seems to have a thriving hotel industry which has experienced a significant boom during the past few years:

  • Major hotel names, most notably Hilton, Holiday Inn and InterContinental  are investing up to $75 million in new hotels.
  • These hotel chains have added up to 15,245 new hotel rooms in the business travel destination between 2004 and 2011.
  • In 2014 alone, the tourism bureau expects an opening of 6,964 additional hotel rooms.
  • Major hotel chains located in Colombia include Radisson, Sonesta, W Hotels, Hyatt, Melia, Iberostar and IBIS.

Are you considering Colombia for future programs or travel? Have you traveled to Colombia? Share your comments here!