Colombia is bringing to IMEX America a delegation of 17 entrepreneurs, ranging from hotels, DMCs, tour operators and convention bureaus and other MICE professionals from six different cities: Cartagena, Cali, Bogotá, Bucaramanga, Manizales, and Medellín.
Situated on the equatorial meridian, Colombia enjoys immense biodiversity, which makes it an awe-inspiring natural destination both for business as well as leisure. The country continues to invest in high-quality infrastructure and the delegation brings with it a new promotional slogan, Colombia, “The Country of Beauty” and is aiming to show Colombia’s ability to stand out among a wide range of topics that have made it a strategic location for the planning and realisation of events of all kinds.
In the latest (2022) country rankings by the International Association of Congresses and Conventions (ICCA), Colombia moved from 29th to 28th place worldwide and occupying third place in South America. 2022 was a year that saw Colombia welcome 4.6 million visitors, a record number. And, in 2023, international tourist numbers have grown a further 30%, with the United States being the primary source of visitors.
Colombia aims to become a key player for hosting large events and Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia – the promotion agency of the country – says: “We are committed to being an exemplary meetings destination. We want planners to think of our country as a place where they can leave a legacy and do business with a touch of culture and, above all, with a touch of consciousness”.
Other factors the Colombian IMEX delegation will be impressing on visitors to their stand include the country’s connectivity to the world with over 1,200 weekly international flights operated by 26 airlines. In the United States, 11 cities are directly connected to eight cities in Colombia.
The country also boasts 27 convention centres, more than 120 non-traditional venues, and 455 hotels with meeting rooms across the territory.
According to a study by ProColombia and the firm STA Consultores, the cost of an event in Colombia is 60% more affordable than in Mexico and 75% more cost effective than in the United States.
Check out the full Colombia conferencing offer at stand D2504 in IMEX America which takes place 17-19 October in Mandalay Bay Beach, Las Vegas.
Photo courtesy of ProColombia
