Romance tourism gains ground in Colombia and mobilizes up to US$100,000 per international destination wedding
These events activate between 50 and 200 temporary jobs in tourism and event services. Photo: Courtesy Feel
TL;DR
- Destination weddings in Colombia generate between US$20,000 and US$100,000.
- These events create 50 to 200 temporary jobs, involving services like catering, venues, transport, and entertainment.
- Attendees stay an average of four to six days, participating in local cultural, gastronomic, and tourist activities.
- The romance tourism segment began its internationalization between 2015 and 2019, growing significantly post-pandemic.
- Companies like Feel operate as Destination Management Companies (DMCs), managing the entire international visitor experience, including accommodation, transport, and personalized activities.
- Feel has managed over 400 destination weddings, mobilizing more than 45,000 international visitors and working with over 80 suppliers.
- Currently, about 40% of weddings in destinations like Antioquia and the Caribbean are for international or binational couples.
- The main countries of origin for couples are the United States, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Spain.
- Destinations beyond Cartagena, such as Medellín and the Eje Cafetero, are gaining popularity due to infrastructure, connectivity, and natural scenery.
- Feel projects a 30% sales growth this year and anticipates 40% growth for 2027.