The city of Medellín has received the largest increase in foreign visitors for 2016 in Colombia.
Visitor numbers from the UK grew by 14 per cent for the country as a whole and 38 per cent for the city of Medellín from 2015 to 2016.
Contributing to this phenomenal growth is the cultural transformation that has taken place in the city over the last ten years.
Winner of South America’s Leading City Break Destination in the 2016 World Travel Awards, Medellín is now recognised as a leading destination for holidays that combine culture, good weather, gastronomy and entertainment.
Next year and 2019 will see international hotels Hilton and Marriott open new build properties in Medellín.
Hilton will open two properties; the Hotel Hampton by Hilton and Hotel Hilton Plaza Gracia.
Marriott also intends to build two hotels in the city with one including a convention centre, which will open at the end of the year.
With UK citizens aged 25-34 travelling an average of 3.7 times annually, Medellín meets this demand with ease.
A number of events take place throughout the year, offering experiences that appeal to every traveller type.
The International Tango Festival that takes place in June, the famous Flower Festival in August, and the Lights Festival and Christmas Fair in December are all propitious moments to live the cultural heart of the city.
Clemencia Botero, destination promoting director of the Medellín Convention & Visitors Bureau, said: “With UK visitor numbers increasing by almost 40 per cent, it’s clear that the compelling cultural offerings and adventure tourism activities make Medellín a bucket list city break destination, and we look forward to welcoming many more visitors from the UK.”