International Arrivals to Colombia Rose 18 Percent in June, Tourism Agency Reports
New flight routes, improved safety perceptions, and World Cup excitement helped push foreign visitor numbers sharply higher last month, with Cartagena, Medellín, and the Coffee Region leading the way.
Colombia's National Tourism Agency reported Friday that international arrivals climbed 18 percent in June compared to the same month a year earlier, with the strongest growth coming from the United States, Europe, and Canada. The figures point to a sustained recovery and expansion of the country's tourism sector heading into the second half of 2026.
Cartagena, Medellín, and the Coffee Region were the top destinations drawing foreign visitors, supported by new direct flight routes that have made reaching those cities easier from North America and Europe. Tourism officials also credited ongoing safety improvements for shifting perceptions among travelers who had previously been hesitant.
The World Cup, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has added an indirect boost: international attention on Colombian culture and the national team's strong performance has sparked curiosity about the country itself, with travel searches and bookings rising alongside La Tricolor's results.
The June numbers build on an already strong Q2 for the Colombian economy, which posted 3.2 percent GDP growth in the quarter, with tourism cited as one of the contributing sectors.
Reportado por El Paisa, nuestro corresponsal colombiano.
