Colombia’s tourism industry has been on a tear lately, with more folks flocking to its vibrant cities, stunning beaches, and lush jungles than ever before. Hotels are a big part of this boom, serving everyone from backpackers crashing in Bogotá to honeymooners soaking up the charm of Cartagena. If you’re wondering how many people are checking into hotels in Colombia, this article breaks it down with the latest numbers, trends, and some practical context to make sense of it all. Let’s dig in.
The Big Picture: Tourism Growth in Colombia
To understand hotel visits, we need to start with the overall tourism numbers. Colombia’s been shaking off its rough past, and thanks to better security and a global buzz about its culture and natural beauty, tourists are pouring in. In 2023, Colombia hit a record with 5.86 million non-resident visitors, according to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism. That’s a 24.3% jump from 2022 and a whopping 29.1% higher than 2019, before the pandemic messed things up.
Not all these visitors stay in hotels—some crash at Airbnbs, hostels, or with family—but hotels are a major player. In 2022, the country’s hotel occupancy rate climbed to over 60%, the highest since 2016. This tells us hotels are seeing a solid chunk of those millions of visitors. Let’s break down who’s staying where and why.
Hotel Guests: Who’s Checking In?
In 2023, about one-third of hotel guests in Colombia were non-residents, meaning international tourists or Colombians living abroad. The other two-thirds were domestic travelers, mostly Colombians exploring their own country. This split makes sense—Colombia’s got a growing middle class, and locals love hitting up places like the Caribbean coast or the coffee region for vacations.
International Visitors
Of the 5.86 million non-resident visitors in 2023:
- 3.8 million were foreign nationals (not counting Venezuelan migrants, who often aren’t tourists).
- 1.5 million were Colombians living abroad coming back for visits.
- 345,000 were cruise passengers, many of whom stayed in hotels before or after their trips, especially in ports like Cartagena and Santa Marta.
The top countries sending tourists to Colombia in 2023 were:
- United States: 1.1 million arrivals, up 21% from 2022. Americans love Bogotá’s museums and Medellín’s vibe.
- Ecuador: 340,358 visitors, a 40% spike, partly due to folks escaping security issues back home.
- Mexico: 320,244 visitors, up 22%.
Other countries like Spain, Costa Rica, and Chile also sent growing numbers, with Spain being the only non-American country in the top 10. These folks are drawn to Colombia’s mix of city life, beaches, and eco-adventures, and many end up in hotels, especially in big hubs.
Domestic Travelers
In 2022, over 10 million Colombians visited Bogotá alone, showing how much locals drive hotel demand. Domestic travelers often head to places like Cartagena, Medellín, or the coffee region for weekends or holidays. They’re more likely to book hotels for overnight trips than day excursions, and they spent about 2.5 times less than international tourists in 2022, which makes hotels a budget-friendly choice for them.
Where Are People Staying?
Colombia’s hotel scene is booming, with over 11,000 hotel establishments in 2021, nearly double the number from 2010. Here’s a look at the hotspots:
Bogotá
The capital is the biggest draw, hosting 36.5% of non-resident visitors from January to May 2024. In 2022, it welcomed 1.13 million international tourists and over 10 million domestic ones. Hotels here range from budget-friendly spots to fancy business chains like Hilton and GHL. Bogotá’s a hub for business travelers (46.7% of hotel guests in 2018 were there for work) and cultural tourists hitting up museums and festivals.
Cartagena
Cartagena’s got the highest hotel occupancy rate in the country, hitting 73% in 2022. Its romantic, colonial vibe and UNESCO World Heritage status make it a magnet for honeymooners and international tourists. In 2023, it hosted 20% of non-resident visitors. Cruise passengers often book hotels here before sailing, boosting numbers further.
Medellín
Medellín’s a rising star, pulling in 659,097 international visitors in 2023, plus 1.2 million total tourists (including locals). Events like the Feria de las Flores (50,000 international visitors) and the Alumbrados Christmas lights (400,000 daily visitors) pack hotels. The city’s 24% share of non-resident visitors in 2024 shows its growing appeal.
San Andrés
This Caribbean island hit over 70% hotel occupancy in 2022, but saw a 15.9% drop in hotel stays between January and November 2023, possibly due to fewer domestic flights after airlines like Viva and Ultra Air shut down. Still, it’s a hotspot for beach lovers and cruise passengers.
Other Regions
Cali, Antioquia (home to Medellín), and Risaralda (part of the coffee region) are also seeing growth. Antioquia’s hotel visits jumped 26% in 2024, and Bolívar (Cartagena’s department) grew 19%. Smaller spots like Salento in the coffee region are popular for eco-tourism, with hotels filling up during high seasons like Christmas and summer months (June to September).
When Are Hotels Busiest?
Hotels in Colombia see spikes during key times:
- Christmas and New Year: The holiday season is huge, with both locals and expat Colombians booking hotels for family trips.
- Summer Months (June–September): Northern hemisphere tourists flood in, especially to coastal areas like Cartagena and San Andrés.
- Holy Week: Religious festivals draw crowds to places like Popayán and Santa Cruz de Mompox, filling hotels for Roman Catholic events.
- Festivals: Events like Cali’s Fair, Barranquilla’s Carnival, and Medellín’s Feria de las Flores pack hotels. For example, the Feria de las Flores brought in 50,000 international visitors in 2023.
In 2024, hotel nights (total nights spent in hotels) grew 6.2% in the first quarter compared to 2023, showing steady post-pandemic growth.
Why Hotels Are Thriving
Colombia’s hotel boom isn’t just about more tourists—it’s about better infrastructure and smart promotion. The government’s been pouring money into tourism, with $95 million allocated in 2019 alone (45% for infrastructure, 25% for competitiveness, 25% for promotion). New air routes and airlines have made Colombia easier to reach, though the collapse of budget airlines like Viva and Ultra Air in 2023 caused an 11% drop in domestic flight passengers, hitting places like San Andrés hard.
Hotels are also stepping up their game. Chains like GHL (33 hotels in 16 cities) and Estelar (26 hotels in 11 cities) cater to business travelers, while boutique hotels in places like Salento attract eco-tourists. On average, tourists spent $1,272 per trip in 2022, with hotels getting a big slice of that.
Challenges and What’s Next
It’s not all smooth sailing. Crime, especially in urban areas like Medellín, can scare off some tourists, though the country’s homicide rate has dropped over the last 20 years. Inflation and rising fuel costs in 2023 also made travel pricier, which could’ve slowed domestic hotel bookings. Plus, competition from Airbnb is real—68% of travelers still prefer hotels, but Gen Z is leaning toward Airbnb (21% of them pick it).
Looking ahead, 2024 is already off to a strong start, with 2.59 million non-resident visitors from January to May, an 8.4% increase over 2023. Posts on X are buzzing about the growth, with some predicting even higher numbers in 2024. Hotels are expected to keep filling up, especially with Colombia winning awards like Cartagena’s “South America’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” and Bogotá’s “Leading Business Travel Destination” at the World Travel Awards.
Practical Tips for Hotel Owners and Travelers
If you’re running a hotel in Colombia, keep an eye on peak seasons (Christmas, summer, Holy Week) and promote to both international and domestic crowds. Make sure your website’s easy to book on—25% of hotel bookings happen directly through hotel sites. Also, focus on guest reviews; travelers will pay 35% more for a hotel with a 4.4 rating over a 3.9.
If you’re traveling to Colombia, book early for high seasons, especially in Cartagena or Medellín during festivals. Check for hotels with good reviews on sites like Booking.com or Expedia, which account for a big chunk of bookings. And be cautious—credit card fraud and overcharging can happen in touristy areas, so ask for printed price lists before ordering anything.
In The End
Colombia’s hotels are busier than ever, with millions of visitors—5.86 million non-residents in 2023 and over 10 million domestic travelers in Bogotá alone in 2022—keeping rooms filled. Cities like Cartagena (73% occupancy) and Medellín (659,097 international visitors) are leading the charge, driven by festivals, better security, and Colombia’s growing rep as a must-visit spot. While challenges like crime and Airbnb competition exist, the upward trend is clear, with 2024 already showing an 8.4% increase in visitors. Whether you’re a traveler or a hotel owner, Colombia’s hotel scene is vibrant, diverse, and only getting bigger.
