Colombia’s tourism industry benefits from peace deal
After the deal was signed in 2016, Colombia has had an inflow increase of 14.5 % compared to 2015
The peace agreement with the FARC guerrillas helped Colombia consolidate itself as a top tourist destination. It is evidenced by the increase in the number of foreign visitors, according to the Industry, Business, and Tourism minister María Claudia Lacouture.
The Latin American country has access to two oceans and offers a variety of attractions including beaches, mountains, jungles, snow, and several metropolises with great services and shopping possibilities.
The perception of Colombia, by a large portion of the world, has seemed to change. According to Felipe Jaramillo, ProColombia’s director (the government agency in charge of promoting tourism and exports), it has become more positive.
Colombia received around 5 million tourists in 2016, showing an increase of 14.5 % compared to 2015. Turning the tourism sector IGNORE INTO the second foreign exchange generator after the oil business and even surpassing traditional exports such as coffee, flowers, and bananas.
Most visitors come from South America, the United States, and Europe. In the past, tourist had remained distant due to the historic armed conflict and the constant warnings from their countries of origin.
Additionally, the main North American and European airlines incorporated direct routes to Colombia and have done alliances in order to arrive in the Latin American country.
LatinAmerican Post |Manuela Pulido Gutiérrez
Copy edited by Susana Cicchetto
