Colombia among the Latin American countries with the most international events, congresses, and conventions organized

Colombia continues to strengthen its position as one of the region's leading destinations, not only for tourism and leisure, but also for international congresses, conventions, and scientific meetings, according to the 2024 annual report of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

ICCA is an organization that records and analyzes international events organized by non-profit organizations, such as medical congresses, scientific conferences , academic symposia, and global forums. These gatherings typically last several days, attract experts from around the world, and have a positive impact on the local economy.

Last year, 114 international events were held in the country, placing Colombia third in Latin America, followed by Argentina and Brazil. This result represented a 10.6 percent increase compared to 2023, when 103 events were organized.

“Colombia is not only positioning itself as a country of beauty for its landscapes and culture, but also for its ability to host international events with excellence that promote social development and territorial inclusion ,” said Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia. “Today, we are recording a 9 percent growth in the number of ICCA events compared to 2023, which demonstrates the success of our multi-destination and multi-sector strategy.”

The report also explains that each event attracts more than 600 international attendees , boosting the hotel, transportation, food service, and specialty services industries.

Furthermore, at the end of the events, fundamental legacies for the country are left behind, such as scientific collaborations , educational projects, and new investment opportunities.

One of the cities that has grown the most in the last year is Barranquilla, which went from hosting five ICCA events in 2023 to eleven in 2024, doubling its presence on the list. This growth positions it as one of the cities with the greatest potential in the Caribbean region.

In addition to major metropolises, other Colombian cities are beginning to host international events. Santa Marta, Valledupar, and Pereira are joining the sector thanks to their diverse offerings in healthcare, education, technology, and sustainable tourism.

With this new position on the international stage, Colombia continues to work to strengthen its value as a destination: a country where biodiversity is complemented by modern infrastructure, qualified human talent, and a comprehensive vision of sustainable development and social inclusion.