Medellín is the first Colombian city to be certified as a Smart Tourist Destination.
The city's commitment to technology, innovation, and tourism has led to historic employment figures and record-breaking tourism numbers. In 2022, more than 1,386,153 tourists visited Medellín—an increase of 49% compared to 2019, when there were 929,839 visitors. This surge resulted in the highest hotel occupancy rate in the city's history, reaching 77%, according to Medellín’s Economic Development Secretariat.
This positive growth is also due to the city's strengthened air connectivity. Internationally, Medellín now has 12 direct flight routes to Aruba, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curaçao, Ecuador, Spain, the United States, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. Nationally, it is connected to 25 destinations. These efforts have earned Medellín international recognition, highlighting its appeal as a top tourist destination.
Time magazine ranked Medellín among the 50 best places in the world to visit in 2023. The ranking recognized Medellín as Colombia’s creative capital, emphasizing its innovative tourism experiences and the city’s social and cultural transformation.
Growth and development are the foundation of Medellín’s global positioning—today, we are a worldwide benchmark for innovation. Medellín’s narrative is evolving, and we are part of this transformation that highlights the City of Eternal Spring as one of the most attractive destinations in the world.