As part of a strategic tour across Colombia’s major cities, Experience Kissimmee launched its first “Travel Trade Roadshow.” Designed to integrate the vacation rental sector with traditional travel agencies, the initiative seeks to professionalize a segment that continues to grow rapidly throughout the region.

In an exclusive interview with ABC Mundial, Yinglu Tian discussed the growing importance of the Colombian market and the latest lodging trends in Central Florida.
 

According to figures shared by Tian, Colombia has become one of the destination’s key international markets.

“Colombia is one of our most important markets. We have seen a 4% year-over-year increase compared to 2025,” the executive said.

That growth is also reflected in air connectivity. There are currently 37 nonstop flights from major Colombian cities to Central Florida, making Kissimmee one of the most accessible U.S. destinations for Colombian travelers.

The Leap Toward Professionalization: B2B and Vacation Homes

The roadshow, which is taking place in Bogotá and Medellín, aims not only to promote the destination but also to provide travel advisors with practical sales tools. The objective is to incorporate Vacation Homes—a sector traditionally driven by digital platforms—into the formal portfolios of wholesalers and travel agencies.

“This is the first year we have launched our Travel Trade Roadshow, and Colombia is one of the markets selected for a full week-long program. We are here with eight strategic partners to ensure that agents have the right products and tools to sell more effectively,” Tian explained.

Breaking Paradigms: Home Comfort with Resort Services

One of the greatest challenges is changing the traditional perception of non-hotel accommodations. Vacation Homes in Kissimmee now include resort-style options ranging from one-bedroom condominiums to expansive luxury residences.

“They offer tremendous added value, including in-unit laundry and fully equipped kitchens. It is ideal for Colombian travelers because they can enjoy the space and comforts of a home without compromising their budget or overall experience,” Tian said.

An Invitation to Central Florida

To conclude the event, the Senior Director of Sales invited Colombian travelers to continue strengthening tourism and cultural ties between the two markets.

“We would love to welcome more Colombian families and friends. We have 15 theme parks and water parks waiting for you in the heart of Florida,” she said.

For ABC Mundial Colombia, the event was built around three key pillars:

Education and Updates: Technical training sessions for travel advisors to better understand the evolution of Florida’s tourism offering.
B2B Networking: Direct negotiation spaces between wholesalers and international partners designed to generate concrete business opportunities.
Strategic Logistics: A setting created for decision-makers, focused on maximizing efficiency in building new partnerships.