Colombia reaches record number of international tourists in July 2025

Colombia continues to strengthen its presence in the tourism sector worldwide. In July 2025, the country received 444,851 non-resident foreign visitors , 21 percent more than in June of this year, and consolidated its position as the month with the highest number of foreign tourists so far in 2025.

The number of foreign tourists arriving in Colombia in July 2025 increased by 6.8 percent compared to the same month in 2024, which until now was considered the record year for international visitor arrivals. According to calculations by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, the upward trend suggests that by the end of 2025, the figures recorded the previous year will be surpassed.

The United States remains the largest source market, accounting for 27.7 percent of total arrivals. Other markets that also saw significant increases include Spain with 21.8 percent , Peru with 21.3 percent, Brazil with 19.5 percent, and Mexico with 12 percent more visitors compared to July of the previous year.

Regarding destination cities, Bogotá received 35.3 percent of international visitors , consolidating its position as the main point of entry into the country, followed by Medellín with 25.8 percent and Cartagena with 17.5 percent.

According to data from the Civil Aeronautics Agency, 4.8 million people traveled by air in June 2025; 2,682,168 on regular domestic flights and 2,085,082 on international flights, representing an increase of 0.9 percent compared to June 2024. In the cumulative period from January to June 2025, 27,117,393 passengers were registered (15,268,772 domestic and 11,848,621 international), representing a total growth of 2.1 percent compared to the same period in 2024.

Finally, passenger arrivals on scheduled international flights between January and June 2025 increased by 8.3 percent compared to the same period last year.

These figures reflect the dynamism and confidence in the Colombian airline sector, consolidating the country as an attractive and competitive destination in the region. The sustained growth in passenger traffic, both domestic and international, demonstrates the strengthening of air connectivity , a key factor in boosting tourism, business, and economic development in the country's various regions.

The lodging sector maintains stable performance: according to DANE (National Statistics Institute), the occupancy rate in June 2025 was 49.5 percent, a 0.9 percent decrease compared to June 2024. The highest occupancy rates were recorded in Cartagena (63.5 percent), San Andrés (62.0 percent), and Bogotá (58.9 percent). In the cumulative period from January to June 2025, the national occupancy rate was 49.0 percent, 0.1 percent lower than the same period in 2024.

"The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism reaffirms its commitment to continue working alongside the private sector and the regions to boost the arrival of international visitors, promote sustainable tourism , and increase the economic and social benefits this activity generates throughout the country," the agency concludes in a statement.

ANGIE RODRÍGUEZ - TRAVEL EDITORIAL - @ANGS0614