Colombia continues to strengthen its international position in global meetings, also known as the MICE industry (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), one of the fastest-growing tourism and business sectors in the world.
According to the latest ICCA Ranking 2025, the country ranked as the second most important destination in Latin America for hosting international congresses and conventions, while also reaching fifth place across the Americas.
The progress reflects Colombia’s sustained growth in attracting global events related to science, medicine, technology, innovation, and business. During 2025, the country hosted 158 international congresses, representing a 38% increase compared to the 114 events registered in 2024.
The result also confirms the consolidation of meetings tourism as one of the strategic priorities of Colombia’s tourism sector. Unlike traditional leisure tourism, MICE travelers tend to have higher average spending, generate consumption in hotels, restaurants, transportation, and local commerce, while also contributing to knowledge exchange between academic and business sectors.
The meetings industry has become a driver of economic development and international positioning for several Colombian destinations. According to industry experts, the country’s growth is the result of a combination of modern infrastructure, air connectivity, international promotion, and institutional strengthening through regional convention bureau networks
Colombia strengthens its position in global meetings, with these cities leading
Colombia’s leadership in the international ranking is mainly driven by cities such as Bogota, Cartagena, and Medellin, currently considered the country’s main hubs for congresses and conventions.
Bogota continues to consolidate itself as Colombia’s leading corporate and business center, thanks to venues such as the Agora Bogota Centro de Convenciones and Corferias, which host large-scale international events and offer extensive hotel infrastructure and air connectivity.
Meanwhile, Cartagena maintains its relevance as one of the Caribbean’s most attractive MICE destinations. The Centro de Convenciones Cartagena de Indias has become a regional benchmark thanks to its combination of modern infrastructure, tourism appeal, and historical heritage.
However, one of the most significant increases over the past year was recorded by Medellin. The city went from hosting 16 international congresses in 2024 to 26 events in 2025, representing a 62.5% increase. This growth allowed the capital of Antioquia to climb to 19th place in the ranking of cities in the Americas and 11th place in Latin America.
The Plaza Mayor Medellin complex continues to serve as the epicenter for trade fairs, congresses, and corporate events that have strengthened Medellin’s image as an innovative and competitive city in the region.
ProColombia and emerging cities drive a national strategy
The country’s growth also responds to a coordinated strategy between public and private entities led by ProColombia, the organization responsible for internationally promoting Colombia as a destination for investment, exports, and tourism.
Currently, Colombia has a network of convention bureaus in 11 cities, a strategy aimed at decentralizing the meetings industry and expanding the offer beyond Bogota, Cartagena, and Medellin.
Other cities, such as Cali, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Pereira, and Manizales, have begun gaining ground in the international events market thanks to the strengthening of their hotel and convention infrastructure.
In addition, Colombia continues to actively participate in specialized international trade fairs such as IMEX Frankfurt, where national delegations work to attract new congresses and global events to the country.
The impact of MICE tourism goes beyond the economy. The arrival of scientific, technological, and academic congresses helps strengthen innovation ecosystems, create international partnerships, and position Colombia as a regional center for knowledge and business.