Swiss Entrepreneur Says Colombia’s Tourism Potential Is Huge, But Infrastructure Holds It Back

Swiss entrepreneur Frank Spitzer holds Colombia in high regard, admiring its natural and cultural diversity, yet acknowledges the country's challenges. Since 2015, Spitzer has been operating tourism operator Pelecanus, having chosen Colombia out of Latin America’s top economies after a strategic evaluation. Despite spending over 20 years in banking and finance in Switzerland, Spitzer moved to Colombia to build his own business and explore the country’s potential.

Colombia’s immense natural and cultural diversity still largely remains unexplored, with Spitzer having traveled through 30 of its 32 departments. Highlights include Punta Gallinas, Putumayo, Casanare, Meta, and Guainia, as well as unique attractions such as Mavecure in Guainia, pink river dolphins, Indigenous communities, and breathtaking landscapes. Spitzer views Colombia’s infrastructure limitations as enhancing the adventurous appeal of remote tourism, rather than hindering its growth.

However, remote areas pose significant operational challenges, including the lack of roads, reliable transportation, and comfortable accommodations. In response, Spitzer has segmented his offerings to cater to various traveler preferences, ranging from luxury tourism to ecotourism, birdwatching, safari, and corporate travel. He emphasizes the importance of managing client expectations, informing them that Colombia's operations differ from those in Switzerland and that delays, weather issues, and unexpected situations can occur.

Despite progress in security, Spitzer remains concerned about Colombia’s current challenges and their impact on the country’s international perception. He argues that sustained improvements in security are vital for Colombia to fully capitalize on its tourism potential. Infrastructure and bureaucracy also emerge as major obstacles, as roads and other projects often take decades to complete, limiting Colombia’s competitiveness compared to destinations like Mexico. Colombia’s complex bureaucracy and tax system further complicate operating a formal business.

Despite these hurdles, Spitzer remains optimistic about Colombia's tourism future, noting that international tourism only began developing relatively recently in the country. He sees opportunities in emerging niches such as golf tourism, and his business is actively exploring new possibilities. However, Spitzer acknowledges the challenges and stresses that his move to Colombia was not financially driven.

While he could have earned more in his banking career, he believes the financial benefits are secondary to the enriching experience of living and working in Colombia.