Colombia: ANATO proposes tourism recovery measures after earthquake - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

ANATO has presented a package of measures designed to support tourism businesses and protect jobs in Colombian regions affected by the August 10 earthquake. The proposals were unveiled during the association’s 30th National Congress of Travel and Tourism Agencies, which brought together more than 1,000 industry professionals in Barranquilla.

The earthquake and its consequences for destinations in Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Quindío and Caldas were among the central issues discussed at the congress. ANATO has also launched its “Viajar es Sumar” campaign to encourage tourism activity and support businesses along the tourism value chain in the affected areas.

“Today we gather with our hearts focused on the regions affected by the recent earthquake and, especially, on the families, communities and tourism entrepreneurs of Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Quindío and Caldas,” said Paula Cortés Calle, Executive President of ANATO.

Tax relief and financing proposed

ANATO says it assessed the situation of its member travel agencies and other tourism providers shortly after the earthquake. Based on the findings, the association submitted a package of proposed measures to Colombia’s national government.

“With this overview as our basis, we structured and submitted to the National Government a comprehensive package of measures to protect employment and advance the recovery,” Cortés Calle said.

The proposals include subsidies to preserve jobs, a reduction in VAT on airline tickets and travel packages, and special Bancóldex credit lines backed by the National Guarantee Fund.

ANATO is also seeking tax relief and greater flexibility over commercial penalties imposed by suppliers and airlines, with the aim of easing financial pressure on tourism companies operating in affected regions.

Tourism revenues continue to grow

The recovery efforts come at a time when tourism remains an important source of foreign currency for Colombia. The sector generated USD 11.42 billion in foreign-exchange revenues in 2025, an increase of 11.4 percent.

During the first quarter of 2026, revenues reached USD 3.15 billion, 9.4 percent more than in the same period a year earlier.

Air traffic has also continued to expand. Almost 29 million passengers travelled by air between January and June 2026, representing year-on-year growth of 5.5 percent.

Barranquilla expands international connectivity

The congress also highlighted Barranquilla’s efforts to strengthen its position as a tourism destination. Atlántico Governor Eduardo Verano de la Rosa argued that the region has deliberately developed its own tourism proposition rather than attempting to replicate neighbouring Caribbean destinations.

“As we do not have the beautiful sea of Cartagena or Santa Marta, we have built a proposition in our territory to become the country’s tourism centre, because when you do not have something, you build it,” Verano de la Rosa said.

Barranquilla Mayor Alejandro Char meanwhile announced a new nonstop air connection between Barranquilla and New York. The service will complement the city’s existing link with Madrid and further expand its international accessibility.

Technology meets the human side of travel

Beyond earthquake recovery, the congress examined changes reshaping the tourism industry under the theme “Beyond the algorithm, journeys that leave a mark”.

The programme addressed customer experience, leadership and service as well as neuroscience, personalisation and the use of technology in tourism businesses. Speakers examined how travellers make decisions, how companies can create more distinctive experiences and how new technologies can improve business models and decision-making.

The wider congress programme also included Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, addressing the global tourism investment agenda and opportunities for Colombia.

Representatives of ANATO, IATA, Cotelco, Acolap and Asobares were also scheduled to discuss the sector’s priorities, placing the immediate challenge of post-earthquake recovery within the broader debate over the future competitiveness of Colombian tourism.

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