Tourism in a nosedive
Knowing the results of the tourism industry in Colombia in 2025 and observing the behavior in 2026, there are plenty of reasons for concern. While the recovery of this powerful engine of the economy after the pandemic is consolidating worldwide, the country is experiencing a structural regression.
TL;DR
- Colombia's tourism sector shows a structural regression, contrasting with global recovery.
- A 15.4% drop in non-resident visitor arrivals indicates a crisis in competitiveness and security.
- A 56.6% decrease in returning Colombians from abroad, who are choosing other destinations due to security and cost increases.
- The rapid growth of informal tourist housing (like Airbnb) is causing market cannibalism due to regulatory laxity.
- Formal hotels face unsustainable costs, including wage increases, energy surcharges, and rising fuel prices, impacting air travel affordability.
- Urgent measures proposed include a differential VAT of 5% and a depuration of the National Tourism Registry (RNT).
- Restoring territorial control and security is deemed essential for the sector's recovery.