The United States continues to be a favorite destination for Colombian travelers, with an 8% increase in visits in 2024 compared to the previous year. This growth is part of a broader trend, as over 5.6 million Colombians traveled abroad in 2024, representing a 7.8% rise from the 5.2 million recorded in 2023.

Despite challenges such as the volatility of the dollar, Colombians are increasingly seeking cultural, gastronomic, and leisure experiences in the U.S., making it one of the most sought-after destinations. Paula Cortés Calle, Executive President of ANATO, highlighted the importance of the tourism sector in supporting these numbers. “One of the most important actions we have been developing at ANATO is the continuous training of industry professionals to understand today’s traveler preferences. Being at the forefront enables us to create packages that cater to these needs and offer more choices, thus encouraging Colombians to explore new places,” she explained.

The appeal of the U.S. was matched by significant growth in other destinations, with Aruba showing an impressive 29% increase in Colombian visitors, followed by Peru and Panama with 27% each, and Spain with a 20% rise.

In addition to the attractiveness of these destinations, the role of travel agencies has been crucial. “In the digital era, there is a lot of information available about destinations. However, many people still lack the knowledge to plan an international trip efficiently. Travel agencies play a key role in advising clients to make the most of their vacations or business trips. We will continue working to drive these significant tourism numbers,” added Cortés Calle.

With a diversifying range of travel options and increasing awareness of global destinations, Colombians are showing a sustained enthusiasm for exploring the world. This trend reaffirms the importance of the tourism sector in facilitating new experiences for travelers and contributing to the country’s outbound tourism growth.