Tops among the hot topics discussed at the La Cita de las Americas trade show last month in Boca Raton, Fla., was the strength of the inbound market from Colombia. In recent years, it has escaped notice in the mainstream discussion of overseas source markets for the USA, despite all the strong markers—a stable economy, the growth of a travel-ready middle class, a substantial increase in lift capacity, proximity to the continental United States that almost makes it a short-haul market, and visitor numbers that make it the No. 11 overseas source market—because it had a major asterisk next to its ranking: a half-century of conflict and guerrilla war in parts of the country led primarily by FARC ( Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, or Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia), whose activities have been financed by drug-related revenues.
Then, last December, FARC unilaterally declared a cease fire. “Let’s talk” was the message conveyed to the Colombian government, which had been waging an aggressive internal war against the guerrillas. But talks convened in the third party state of Cuba. And then, last week, in Cuba, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and the top FARC leader, Rodrigo Londoño Echeverri (alias “Timochenko”) announced a major agreement on how justice shall be applied during the transition period from war to peace in Colombia. The accord includes amnesty for political crimes and the creation of a special peace court, as well as establishing that the guerrillas must hand over their arms within 60 days of signing the agreement.
The news prompted media coverage throughout Latin America that bordered on jubilation—from all quarters, including sports commentators and business news analysts. The latter hailed the agreement as one that will attract international investors, as well as tourism, to Colombia.
Prior to last week’s good news, the outbound tourism industry, as well as the infrastructure that supports it, had already begun to build some impressive numbers.
The Five-Year Ascendency of Colombia
To Its Position as Second Largest Market in South America
Arrivals (in 000s) in USA from Argentina, Venezuela and Colombia
2010-2015
| Year | Argentina | Venezuela | Colombia |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 512 | 561 | 497 |
| 2012 | 615 | 675 | 602 |
| 2013 | 686 | 788 | 748 |
| 2014 | 685 | 616 | 881 |
| 2015 | 664ᶠ | 450? | 969? |
ᶠ -ForecastSource: U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO)
Rank by Population
Major South American Nations
| Country | Population | Rank in South America | Rank, Nations of World |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 203,657,210 | 1 | 5 |
| Colombia | 49,529,208 | 2 | 28 |
| Argentina | 42,154,914 | 3 | 32 |
| Venezuela | 31,292,702 | 4 | 41 |
| Peru | 31,161,167 | 5 | 42 |
| Chile | 17,924,062 | 6 | 61 |
| Ecuador | 16,225,691 | 7 | 68 |
| Bolivia | 11,024,522 | 8 | 82 |
| Paraguay | 7,032,942 | 9 | 105 |
| Uruguay | 3,429,997 | 10 | 136 |
| Total | 413, 435,000 (rounded) | -- | -- |
Source: Statistics Times
The population of Colombia, the second largest nation in South America—especially the key demographic group (25-54 years old) that comprises the traveling population—is destined to grow substantially because of the nation’s birthrate and young population. It exceeds that of the United States, for instance, among those from 0-54 years, yet is less than half that of the U.S. in the over-64 category.
Population of Colombia and USA
By Age Groups
| Age Group | Colombia | USA |
|---|---|---|
| 0-14 years | 25.30% | 20.10% |
| 15-24 years | 18% | 13.40% |
| 25-54 years | 41.60% | 40.60% |
| 55-64 years | 8.30% | 12.50% |
| 65 years and older | 6.70% | 14.40% |
| Total Population | 49,529,208 (2015 est.) | 325 million (2014 est.) |
The population of Colombia, the second largest nation in South America—especially the key demographic group (25-54 years old) that comprises the traveling population—is destined to grow substantially because of the nation’s birthrate and young population. It exceeds that of the United States, for instance, among those from 0-54 years, yet is less than half that of the U.S. in the over-64 category.
Population of Colombia and USA
By Age Groups
| Country | Population | Rank in South America | Rank, Nations of World |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 203,657,210 | 1 | 5 |
| Colombia | 49,529,208 | 2 | 28 |
| Argentina | 42,154,914 | 3 | 32 |
| Venezuela | 31,292,702 | 4 | 41 |
| Peru | 31,161,167 | 5 | 42 |
| Chile | 17,924,062 | 6 | 61 |
| Ecuador | 16,225,691 | 7 | 68 |
| Bolivia | 11,024,522 | 8 | 82 |
| Paraguay | 7,032,942 | 9 | 105 |
| Uruguay | 3,429,997 | 10 | 136 |
| Total | 413, 435,000 (rounded) | -- | -- |
Sources: Index Mundi, Statistics Times, U.S. Census Bureau, Statistical Abstract of the United States; prepared by Inbound Report (* Figures rounded )
Colombia’s major ports of departure—they are the airports in the five most populous cities—already have strong airline connections to the U.S. (Though Cartagena’s population ranks it fifth among Colombian cities, it is a favorite point of departure for travelers; a flight from Cartagena to Miami is about the same distance and time as a flight from New York City to Miami.)
Top Ten Cities in Colombia
By Population
| Bogota | 7,674,366 |
|---|---|
| Cali | 2,392,877 |
| Medellin | 1,999,979 |
| Barranquilla | 1,380,425 |
| Cartagena | 952,024 |
| Cucuta | 721,398 |
| Bucaramanga | 571,820 |
| Pereira | 440,118 |
| Santa Maria | 431,781 |
| Ibague | 421,685 |
Source: World Atlas
Lift capacity to and from the USA has increased dramatically in the past five years. U.S.-based legacy carriers have launched new service and new airlines (U.S.-based JetBlue and the new Viva Colombia) have started new routes. In addition, Copa airlines, which is based in neighboring Panama, has extensive reach into Colombia, often serving as a shuttle service for travelers who go to Panama City, then on to the USA. One thing made clear in the following table: Miami is the de facto capital of the United States for Colombian travelers.
Top 5 Cities in Colombia
For Air Connections to USA
| City and Airport | Carriers and Service to USA and Canada |
|---|---|
| Bogotá | El Dorado International Airport |
| El Dorado International Airport | Air Canada (Toronto-Pierson) |
| American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami) | |
| Avianca (Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, New York,-JFK, Orlando, Washington-Dulles) | |
| Delta Air Lines (Atlanta, New York-JFK) | |
| JetBlue Airways (Fort Lauderdale, Orlando) | |
| United Airlines (Houston-Intercontinental, Newark) | |
| Viva Colombia (Miami-begins Dec. 2, 2015) | |
| Cali | American Airlines (Miami) |
| Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport | Avianca (Miami) |
| LAN Airlines (Miami) | |
| United Airlines (Miami) | |
| US Airways (Miami) | |
| Medillin | José María Córdova International Airport |
| José María Córdova International Airport | American Airlines (Miami) |
| Delta Air Lines (Atlantastarts Dec. 19, 2015) | |
| JetBlue (Fort Lauderdale) | |
| Spirit Airlines (Fort Lauderdale) | |
| Viva Colombia (Miamistarts Dec. 2, 2015) | |
| Barranquilla | American Airlines (Miami) |
| Ernesto Cortizzos International Airport | Avianca (Miami) |
| Cartagena | Air Transat (Seasonal: Montréal-Trudeau, Toronto-Pierson) |
| Rafael Núñez International Airport | Avianca (Miami, New York-JFK) |
| Delta Air Lines (Atlanta-Starts Dec. 19, 2015) | |
| JetBlue (Fort Lauderdale, New York-JFK) | |
| Spirit Airlines (Fort Lauderdale) | |
| Sunwing Airlines (Seasonal: Toronto-Pierson) |
Source: Airport websites and Wikipedia
