China and Hong Kong Strengthen Tourism Ties, While Bogotá Sees Explosive Growth as Colombia Emerges as a Rising Star for Asian Travellers and Global Partnerships

Published on April 18, 2025

Bogota sees a tourism boom with a 20-fold rise in Chinese visitors as China and Hong Kong strengthen travel ties with Colombia through culture and commerce.

Bogota is experiencing a dramatic surge in Chinese tourism, with the number of visitors from China increasing twentyfold—signaling a significant shift in Colombia’s global tourism outlook, according to the city’s tourism chief at a recent summit in Hong Kong.

During the Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit, Andres Santamaria Garrido, Director of Tourism for the Colombian capital, shared insights on Bogota’s growing popularity among Chinese travellers. He noted that the city is actively positioning itself as a must-visit destination for tourists from Hong Kong and wider Asia.

Garrido linked the rise in tourism to the evolving commercial partnership between China and Colombia, with deeper trade connections contributing to stronger people-to-people ties. Chinese visitors can already enter Colombia without a visa, which Garrido sees as a competitive edge when promoting travel from Hong Kong and the mainland.

Highlighting Bogota’s appeal, Garrido pointed to the city’s diverse cultural offerings, including more than 1,400 events annually, its fusion of Colombian, Caribbean, and Latin American cuisines, and niche attractions like the famous emerald market. The capital’s mild climate and abundant green spaces also resonate strongly with Asian travellers seeking nature and cultural depth.

To further boost arrivals from China, Bogota’s tourism board is urging national authorities to consider easing visa policies for leisure travellers from the country. Garrido acknowledged that past immigration concerns may have shaped existing restrictions but argued that the profile of Chinese tourists has evolved, now comprising largely affluent, experience-driven visitors.

On the flip side, Garrido noted a rising interest among Colombians in visiting Hong Kong. Thanks to visa-free entry, many are exploring the city’s iconic blend of urban energy, culture, shopping, and culinary experiences.

Trade relations between the two regions continue to grow. As of 2024, Colombia ranked sixth among Hong Kong’s Latin American trade partners, accounting for 4.3% of total regional trade. It was the fourth-largest Latin American export market for Hong Kong and the ninth-largest source of imports.

However, despite solid trade performance, mutual investment remains limited, and Colombia has yet to establish a strong commercial footprint in Hong Kong.