The Colombian capital has become a proving ground for the country’s high-tech tourism push, and officials believe the momentum in Bogotá will ripple across all 32 departments as Colombia races toward a target of 7.5 million international visitors by the end of 2025.
Digital innovation reshapes the visitor experience
Colombia welcomed approximately 6.7 million foreign travelers in 2024, representing an increase of around 8 percent from the previous year, according to figures from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism. A growing share of that traffic is being driven by online travel agencies such as Airbnb, Booking, Despegar, and Expedia, which have made the country one of their fastest-rising destinations. The government is meeting travelers where they already spend their time—on digital platforms. FONTUR’s Tourism 4.0 program is helping more than 2,000 small tourism providers automate reservations and payments, while a new Tourism Innovation Observatory is compiling data to guide strategy in every department. Bogotá is also experimenting with artificial intelligence. A generative AI chatbot nicknamed “Candelaria” is available around the clock to suggest museums, eateries, parks, and walking routes, offering visitors a personalized itinerary before they set foot on a cobblestone street in La Candelaria historic district. “The tourism sector has seen some pretty big changes,” Vargas said in a statement, crediting new technologies for accelerating everything from digital marketing to payment processing.
More seats in the sky—and more reasons to use them
Reliable airlift is the backbone of any tourism surge, and Colombia is steadily adding routes. A nonstop Madrid–Cali connection gives European travelers direct access to the Valle del Cauca region, while Aeroméxico’s new service to Cartagena strengthens links with North America. Carriers have also adjusted schedules to improve domestic connections, making it easier to pair Bogotá or Medellín with Pacific beaches and Amazonian adventure parks in a single itinerary. Beyond flights, Colombia is banking on its cultural cachet to differentiate itself. Local tourism boards are promoting street-art tours in Medellín, cacao workshops in Santander and Afro-Pacific music festivals in Chocó all experiences that can be booked online in a matter of clicks.
Airbnb’s $250 million bet on “total travel”
Platform giant Airbnb has earmarked $250 million to evolve from a lodging marketplace into a universal travel hub that also bundles culinary tours, cultural immersions, and wellness retreats. That pivot mirrors Colombia’s ambition to sell not only hotel nights but also the authentic experiences travelers crave.
Short-term rentals overtake hotels as top lodging category
The National Tourism Registry lists 63,676 registered “tourist homes”—private apartments, condos and houses offered to travelers. That figure accounts for 57 percent of all registered service providers and dwarfs the country’s 18,945 hotels and 16,208 travel agencies. “Tourist housing has become the new business community in the sector,” Vargas said in a statement, describing how the model has spawned start-ups in property management, interior design, linen services and locally curated excursions. For travelers, the short-term rental boom brings neighborhood stays in places that once had few traditional lodging options, from coffee-farm villages in Quindío to surf towns along the Pacific.
What the tech wave means for visitors
The digital transformation is more than an industry talking point; it changes trip planning on the ground. Travelers can:
- Book multi-city itineraries on the same platform they use for lodging, cutting out complex payment choreography.
- Access AI-generated walking routes in Bogotá and, pilot programs permitting, in Medellín and Cartagena next year.
- Find verified short-term rentals that comply with new safety and tax regulations tied to the National Tourism Registry number.
- Receive real-time flight updates and transportation options through integrated chatbots at major airports.
Tips for travelers planning a Colombian escape
- Check for the property’s National Tourism Registry number—required for all 63,676 licensed tourist homes—to ensure legality and consumer protection.
- Use the Candelaria chatbot for Bogotá museum passes; it often bundles entry discounts with public-transit tips.
- Look for “Tourism 4.0” badges on service-provider websites; these providers have adopted standardized digital payment and cancellation policies.
- Monitor new international flights—especially the Madrid–Cali and Mexico City–Cartagena routes—if you want to avoid a Bogotá layover.
FAQ
How many foreign visitors did Colombia receive last year?
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism reports 6.7 million in 2024, up 8 percent year over year.
What is the government’s official target for 2025?
Authorities aim for 7.5 million international arrivals by year-end 2025.
Why are short-term rentals so dominant?
With 63,676 registered tourist homes—versus 18,945 hotels—private rentals offer flexible locations and prices, and tech platforms make listing easy.
Is Colombia safe for visitors?
Urban security varies by neighborhood. Travelers should use registered accommodations, rely on authorized taxis or ride-sharing apps, and follow local government advisories.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry seasons—December to March and July to August—offer the most predictable weather for hiking, beaches and city tours. With a tech-savvy strategy, substantial private investment and a cultural scene to match its lush landscapes, Colombia appears prepared to deliver on its bold tourism ambitions—and to greet more travelers with the warmth for which the country is famous.
