Tourists flock to Colombia

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.

This rise in holidaymakers and backpackers puts Colombia above its Latin American neighbour, Ecuador, which welcomed 860,000 tourists in 2005.

Among the factors that are making the difference is Colombia's growing reputation as a cruise destination.

Projects are currently underway to improve the attractiveness to cruises of cities such as Cartagena and Santa Mara, which lies on Colombia's Caribbean coast.

Both are rich in historical and cultural attractions for the holidaymaker, with the latter featuring the likes of Tayrona Park and the peaks of Sierra Nevada.

Among the improvements that are being made to lure in cruise ships are cable cars, which will swiftly and smoothly transport cruise passengers to the area's attractions. Once in Tayrona Park, visitors can explore its coral reefs and archaeologically-rich grounds, which were once home to the Tayrona Indians.

There is plenty for holidaymakers in the more urban ends of the Colombian spectrum, such as in the country's capital, Bogota. Awash with buzzing markets, quality museums, forward-looking locals and visionary architecture, Bogota is growing in popularity with tourists.