Tourism, normally a vital component of the service sector-- particularly for a country as diverse culturally, geographically, and historically as Colombia--did not contribute significantly to economic growth. Although Colombia had attractive, modern hotels in the capital city and other major metropolitan centers and offered natural attractions such as the Caribbean coastline, remote jungles, and steep mountain ranges, persistent reports of kidnappings, assassinations, drug-related violence, and guerrilla activities diminished tourist interest in Colombia, even though foreigners generally were not the targets of this violence. The government did not actively pursue tourism.Tourism in Colombia has steadily grown since the 1950s with the increase in safety and growth in the economy.

Colombia is enjoying an upturn in visitors thanks to an improved tourist infrastructure and a growing awareness among holidaymakers of the attractions it has to offer. Tourist arrivals in Colombia have grown by 65 per cent since 2002, rising to 925,000, as people are attracted by the improving security situation and improved hotels and amenities.The tourism campaign has begun at home. This month, during the mid-year school holidays, thousands of Colombians have enjoyed the newly-recovered freedom to travel, using specially policed routes from major cities to favourite holiday spots. The aim now is to convince foreigners. With a promotional budget of just $4m this year, the tourism agency is concentrating its efforts on tour operators and cruise and airline executives. This spring, it invited 130 of them to see the country's beaches, its coffee farms and the Amazon region...

Travel Destination:

Colombia has everything that can be expected from a wonderful travel destination; extensive natural areas, many cultural highlights, a nice and friendly atmosphere, very kind people, impressive sceneries and many interesting attractions. Colombia has many different faces and is the only country that combines the attractions of the Caribbean, Andes, Amazon, Pacific and Orinoco. Colombia has mountains, jungles, modern and colonial cities, and resorts on both the Pacific and the Caribbean, all of which the Colombian Government Tourist Office (CORTURISMO) has aggressively promoted.

Soccer is the most popular sport, followed by basketball, baseball, boxing, and cockfighting; there are also facilities for golf, tennis, and horseback riding, and bullrings in the major cities. Tourists from Western countries generally require no visa, but all visitors need a valid passport and a return ticket for entry. No vaccinations are required.