The entry of travelers from other countries, the increase in hotel occupancy and the generation of employment per 100 rooms, are some of the highlights delivered by the president of the Asociación Hotelera y Turística de Colombia (Cotelco), Juan Leonardo Correa, during a balance of the sector this year.
Colombia recorded an 8.9% increase in the arrival of foreign tourists between January and October 2011: United States (216,923 visitors), Venezuela (184,952), Ecuador (90,868), Argentina (79,323), Brazil (78,135), Spain (72,426), Mexico (65,257), Peru (65,128), Chile (47,495), Germany (33,800), France (31,442), Canada (29,926) and from other countries 263,109 travelers.
With regard to employment, during the first ten months of the year the national average increased by 2.2% from 52.2% to 54.4%; while the employment rate generated in the hotel industry per 100 rooms increased from 71 to 72 people.
In relation to investment, an increase is reported due to the construction, remodeling and expansion of hotels in several cities in that country, highlighting that 90% of this investment is made by Colombians. In 2010 the investment, according to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism reached US $ 1,700 million.
