Exporting U.S. Travel and Tourism to Colombia
According to the Colombian Civil Aeronautics Authorities, about 2.2 million travelers from Colombia went abroad in 2006. Colombia is the United States' fourth-largest export market in Latin America--behind Brazil, Venezuela, and Argentina--and the 26th-largest market for U.S. products worldwide. An estimated 654,200 Colombians, 10 percent more than in 2005, traveled to the United States during 2006. These Colombian visitors spent an estimated US $1.65 million in the U.S. (excluding airfares) on food, car rental, hotel, attractions, and basic shopping. The usual length of stay is seven nights, but if they have relatives in the U.S., the common stay is from three to four weeks. Colombians have 15 working days of statutory paid vacation per year. Leisure travel usually takes place during school vacations (November to early February); during Holy Week (the week before Easter); and from June to early September.
The U.S. share of Colombian passengers traveling abroad during 2006 was 37% of the total outbound market, followed by South America with a 27% share, Central America (including Mexico/ Caribbean) with 20%, Europe with 15%, and other destinations (including Canada) with 2%.
The main U.S. gateways for Colombians in 2006 were: Miami, Florida that handled approximately 59.0 percent of the passengers arriving from Colombia to the United States; New York City with about 8.5 %; Atlanta, Georgia, with approximately 4.3%; Houston, Texas with 4.2; and others, including Los Angeles, Newark, and Toronto (that is included in the official statistics of travelers to North America) with approximately 24.0 %.
Travelers from Colombia to the U.S. fall into four main categories based on the purpose of their trip: Leisure (40%); Business (30%); Shopping (20%); visiting friends and relatives (7%); and studies (3%). Currently, 80% of Colombians travel to the U.S. on a repeated basis.
The total number of passengers traveling from Colombian to foreign countries increased at an average of 12 percent during 2003-2006 and is expected to maintain a similar dynamic behavior during 2007-2008 due to: (a) the significant recovery of the Colombian economy that grew at 6.8 percent during 2006 and is expected to grow by 7.0 percent during 2007, (b) the significant revaluation of the Colombian peso that has reduced the cost of traveling abroad, (c) the recently signed Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) between Colombian and the United States expected to be approved by congress in both countries and (d) the integration of several agreements that Colombia has signed or is negotiating with other group of countries, including the Andean Community, Mercosur, the Central American countries, and Europe.
The United States is Colombia's largest trading partner, representing about 42% of Colombia's exports and 36.8% of its imports (source: Colombian Central Bank’s Magazine # 952). During the last four years, Colombia has become one of the most optimistic, stable and recovering economies in the region. It is expected that improved economic performance and security conditions in Colombia will boast the number of Colombians traveling to the US as well as attracting a growing number of U.S. companies looking to enter the market by offering complementary services in the international tourism and educational sectors. The signing of CTPA will only enhance expansion of this market sector.
The U.S. Commercial Service in Bogotá also offers a number of services designed to benefit U.S. tourism products and services. U.S. companies wishing to promote their in the Colombian market are encouraged to participate in the 2008 tourism trade show organized by the Visit USA Colombia and fully supported by the U.S. Commercial Service. This show will take place from February 25-27, 2008.
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