Colombia Welcomed More Than 20,000 Nordic Travelers in 2025

Colombia welcomed over 20,000 Nordic travelers in 2025, marking a remarkable 269% increase from just five years prior in 2020, when only 5,452 such visitors were recorded. The surge in tourism from Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland signifies a strong recovery post-pandemic. The trend continued beyond the initial rebound, with arrivals rising 180.5% between 2021 and 2022 and growing steadily through 2025, even surpassing the previous year's totals by 3.5%.

Sweden was the primary source of Nordic visitors, while Bogota, Cartagena and Medellin saw the highest numbers of arrivals.

The spending habits of Nordic tourists in Colombia varied significantly by destination. San Andres topped the list with an average expenditure of US$506 per traveler card in 2025, followed closely by Cartagena at US$250. Medellin and Bogota recorded expenditures of US$214 and US$206 respectively, while Santa Marta had the lowest average at US$177. Overall, Bogota accounted for the largest total spending due to its status as a major entry point and business center.

Travel agencies reported the highest average expenditure by category, at US$446 per card, followed by accommodation at US$374 and airlines at US$267. The rise in tourism was not limited to leisure travel; business and professional activities also saw an increase in Colombia, with arrivals for these purposes in Bogota climbing from 1,103 in 2024 to 1,238 in 2025, and a sharper increase in Cartagena from 121 to 242.

The profile of Nordic travelers visiting Colombia suggests a mix of leisure and business travel, with itineraries typically lasting between eight to 14 nights. They are particularly drawn to nature-based tourism, participating in activities like hiking, birdwatching, visiting coffee-growing regions, and enjoying thermal destinations.

The average amount spent per card by Nordic travelers increased by 16.3% between 2024 and 2025, reaching US$320, with an average transaction of US$57. Travelers from Sweden showed a strong interest in sustainability, design and contemporary culture, while Norwegian tourists favored nature and higher-value experiences, and Danish and Finnish travelers showed an interest in gastronomy, urban culture, and slower forms of travel, respectively.

Despite the growth, Colombia currently lacks direct flights from the Nordic countries, requiring travelers to connect through European hubs such as Amsterdam, where KLM operates weekly flights to Bogota and Cartagena with substantial seating availability. The growing demand in Colombia indicates a market that has moved beyond its initial post-pandemic recovery, highlighting the importance of air connectivity for sustained growth.