Colombia proving more and more popular with Brits

Thursday, 8 March 2007 12:00 AM

Airport passenger with luggage

Airport passenger with luggage

Colombia's tourism prospects are booming and travellers from the UK are not being deterred by the constant stream of negative press.

Drawn by the colonial majesty of Cartagena, significantly the most visited place by Britons, the seductive nature of the Paisas of Medellin, Cali's red hot salsa and Bogotá's unstoppable nightlife, the number of tourists to visit Colombia looks set to increase to unprecedented levels.

"The figures speak for themselves," commented Juan Carlos Velez Uribe, president of ANATO (The Colombian Association of Travel Agents and Tourism).

"The security issue will always remain, but the number of kidnappings is down, there is greater security on the highways and at this very point in time, Bogotá is statistically safer than Madrid."

In 2005 approximately 16,000 UK citizens visited Colombia, in 2006 this figure climbed to 17,500, accounting for 1.7 per cent of all visitors, with the majority of visitors coming from neighbouring Ecuador and Venezuela and also from the USA and Spain.

Mr Velez Uribe explains Colombia's unique position of being in the Caribbean, the Pacific, the Amazon and the Andes makes it an ideal tourist destination in the region.

Richard McColl

Travel Directory Articles

What attracts the exclusive crowds to the Cote d’Azur?

The French Riviera is a favourite holiday spot of the rich and famous

The French Riviera is widely regarded to be one of the most glamourous and sophisticated holiday destinations in the world, and has been a firm favourite among the rich and famous for many years. Hollywood stars are regularly spotted strolling along the promenades of Cannes, while Monaco is a magnet for superyachts and their owners.


How to get an authentic taste of Marrakech

The Djemma el Fna is exciting at night

Marrakech is a bustling city that's packed with history and culture. A visit here is a great way to learn more about Morroco's interesting heritage, with plenty of landmarks to discover and experiences to enjoy when you stay in the metropolis for a few days.


A look at Caribbean street food

Try fantastic food in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is famous the world over for its beautiful weather and sandy beaches, but it is also worth seeking out traditional dishes. Although you can sample cuisine from every corner of the globe during a Caribbean holiday, it is only when you taste local street food that you will get a real flavour of the region's cultural heritage.