New tourist destinations in Colombia are gaining ground: this is how the way we travel and plan is changing.
With Colombia consolidating its position as one of Latin America's top tourist destinations, travelers are increasingly seeking to discover new regions beyond the classics like Cartagena, Medellín, and Bogotá. An Airbnb analysis confirms this: in 2024, 14 destinations in the country welcomed guests through the platform for the first time.
The report revealed that in 2024, more than 40% of reservations were made in natural destinations. Photo: Cali City Hall
According to the company, this achievement not only positions Colombia as the third country in the region with the most new destinations on Airbnb, but also reflects the revitalization of the tourism sector and the boost this represents for local economies.
The report also revealed that in 2024, more than 40 percent of reservations in Colombia were made for natural destinations, while nearly 60 percent of travelers were locals.
New destinations on Airbnb Among the places that debuted with their first reservations are:
- Gutiérrez, Cundinamarca. Surrounded by crystal-clear rivers and trails, it's ideal for hiking and weekend getaways near Bogotá.
- Villanueva, Bolívar. Known for its vallenato tradition and Caribbean atmosphere, it offers unique culture, cuisine, and hospitality.
- El Peñón, Santander. Nestled between mountains, caves, and rock formations, it's perfect for those seeking adventure and nature tourism.
- Belén, Boyacá. For several years, Boyacá has established itself as one of the departments preferred by tourists thanks to places like Villa de Leyva and Ráquira. However, it still has corners to discover, such as Belén, a destination notable for its colonial architecture, artisan traditions, and rich landscapes.
- El Paujil, Caquetá. Known as the gateway to the Colombian Amazon, this destination invites you to explore its rivers, jungles, and biodiversity that make it special.
- Chiriguaná, Cesar. Located in central Cesar, it combines agricultural tradition with cultural celebrations that keep the Caribbean identity alive.
Other destinations also on the list include San Juan de Betulia and Ovejas (Sucre); Argelia, El Bagre, and Nariño (Antioquia) ; El Carmen de Atrato and Lloró (Chocó); and Morelia (Caquetá).
Globally, Airbnb hosts in rural areas saw a 40% increase in 2024. Photo: Courtesy of Fontur.
The expansion of tourism to rural areas has become a key tool for boosting local economies and generating new opportunities for communities. But this phenomenon is not unique to Colombia: globally, in 2024, Airbnb hosts in rural areas recorded a 40 percent increase in their average income compared to the previous year.
How are Colombians choosing their destinations? A recent Booking.com survey conducted for Latin America revealed that travel planning is changing.
One of the main conclusions of the analysis is that decisions are no longer necessarily based on price, but rather on the experiences they want to have and reviews from other tourists.
Some interesting facts about travel planning are:
- Thirty-one percent of Colombians choose their destination based on what they want to experience , whether it's visiting an iconic site or paying for a specific experience.
- Thirty percent research everything before making decisions. Travelers look for information on routes, prices, neighborhoods, accommodations, where to eat, and what places to visit. To do so, they check various platforms, reviews, and social media content.
- Finally, 23 percent prefer to plan with the help of agencies or experts. Of these, 13 percent improvise until the last minute and come back with great stories, while another 13 percent plan in detail, with color-coded itineraries and stops planned days or even months in advance.
For travelers, it's key to review other people's experiences. Photo: Istock
ANGIE RODRÍGUEZ - TRAVEL EDITORIAL - @ANGS0614
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