Tourism is one of the growing economic sectors of Colombia, thanks to its welcoming people, numerous festivals, sacred archaeological sites, melting-pot culture and biodiversity.
Untouched by mass tourism, it is perfect for tourists looking to reconnect with nature. The Latin American nation is famous for its coffee and cacao, emeralds and gold, and its vibrant music scene. “It is the birthplace of musicians Shakira and Maluma, the world’s second-largest exporter of flowers, just behind the Netherlands, and doubtless the world’s most welcoming country,” Juan Pablo Cavelier, the Commissioner-General of the Colombian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, tells us.“Colombia is home to myriads of flora and fauna species, with its lush rainforests, sandy beaches and breathtaking mountain ranges. Colombia has something for everyone: the nature lover, the gourmand, the artist, the historian and the wanderer seeking shared rhythms.”
“Colombia has something for everyone: the nature lover, the gourmand, the artist, the historian and the wanderer seeking shared rhythms”
– Juan Pablo Cavelier
Colombia's pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai features its cultural diversity, natural ecosystems, ancient culture and history, and urban tourism of its regions. Due to its diverse and rich natural environment, the country is an ideal holiday destination for travellers with a variety of interests, from those seeking sandy beaches to those wanting an adventurous excursion through the forests, says the Commssioner-General.
The six distinct regions–Amazon-Orinoquía, Western Andes, Eastern Andes, Greater Colombian Caribbean, Massifs, and Pacific–make Colombia one of the world’s megadiverse nations.
Amazonia-Orinoquia region in southern Colombia is covered with thick Amazonian forest and includes natural, verdant landscapes of Tuparro National Natural Park, Eastern Plains, Sierra de la Macarena, Mavecure, table mountains of Serranía del Chiribiquete, waterfalls in Jirijirimo, and Amacayacu National Natural Park.
The Andean region, the most populated in Colombia, comprises Western Andes, Central Andes and Eastern Andes. This region is also known for its vast stretch of Andean Forest and diversity in birds and coffee production.
Medellin, known as the City of Eternal Spring, La Miel River, Los Nevados National Natural Park and Cocora Valley, are a few of the important destinations in the Western Andes.
The Eastern Andes includes places such as Gallineral Natural Park, Chicamochar river, El Cocuy National Natural Park, Paramo of Iguaque, Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira, Chingaza National Natural Park and the country’s capital Bogota, to name a few.
The Greater Colombian Caribbean, with its sandy beaches, traditional cuisines, historic cities, cultural and natural diversity, is a natural draw for tourists. Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a world heritage site by Unesco, Tayrona National Park, the sea of seven colours of San Andres and Providencia, located in the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, one of the most important marine ecosystems, Barranquilla, known for the world-famous Carnival of Barranquilla, and Palomino beach are some of the major attractions in this region.
Colombian Massif, known for agroecosystem and xerophytic vegetation, also has many incredible places that offer remarkable experience such as Tatacoa Desert, Puracé National Natural Park, Cocha Lagoon and Las Lajas in Nariño. Black and White’s carnival, one of the largest celebrations in Colombia, is held each year in Pasto, in this region.
The Pacific region in Colombia is a biodiversity hotspot with its vast stretches of beaches and lush forests. In this part of the country, travellers can spot humpback whales, snorkel in Nuqui, and learn traditional African culture in Tumaco, enjoy salsa in the city of Santiago de Cali and relish the cuisines of the Pacific.
Colombia, the third largest economy in Latin America, aims to reach more than $1 billion in bilateral trade with the UAE by 2030, and to triple its current bilateral trade figures over the next two years. Green energy, hydrogen, non-conventional renewable energy sources and conventional energy like oil and gas will have a lot of interest from the UAE investors in Colombia, Cavelier tells us.
“While there are no direct flights between the UAE and Colombia as of now, but we have been aggressively working on direct connectivity with the UAE as it will be needed to accelerate the trade. As of now, Turkish Airlines connects the region with Bogota and many European airlines fly to Colombia.”
According to statistics from the Colombia Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Colombia welcomes about 6.5 million visitors from various nations each year (pre-pandemic figures).