Bogota, Colombia: The World's Next Big Business Hub

The whole world has witnessed the radical change that Colombia has undergone in the last decade. From being a destination considered dangerous, it has become a major international attraction for congresses, conventions, and incentive travel. Bogota, in a high percentage, is undoubtedly responsible for this positive metamorphosis.

With 7.6 million inhabitants, the Colombian capital is situated at 2,640 meters above sea level, with the advantage of a spring-like climate all year round. Daytime temperatures are 19 degrees Celsius (66°F) and at night 10 degrees Celsius (50°F).

The city is the main economic and business hub of Colombia and the Andean region. In addition to housing 16 percent of the national population, it has established itself as Colombia's financial center, concentrating 54 percent of all financial transactions in the country.

Thanks to its strategic geographic location in the center of the continent - five hours by plane from New York, Mexico, and Sao Paulo - it offers more than 600 direct weekly connections with the world's main cities. As a result, many companies have chosen Bogota as the location for their regional offices.

It currently has more than 1,360 foreign-owned companies, a not insignificant figure considering that the number was 500 in 2002, which shows that the city is increasingly positioning itself on the radar of foreign investors as an emerging business epicenter.

Prepare to be surprised in Bogota

According to the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) ranking, the Colombian capital is among the top ten Latin American destinations that host the most international events.

What makes this city different from all the others? It is a city of contrasts that invites visitors to enjoy it with all five senses. Its flavors captivate, its smells hypnotize and its sounds mix the modern with the traditional.

It is capable of hosting all kinds of concerts, fairs, and events. The Ibero-American Theater Festival, the Rock al Parque Festival, Opera and Zarzuela Seasons, a Campus Party, the International Book Fair, artbo, and the Bogota Half Marathon to name just a few.

Not for nothing was it recently accepted as a member of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network, in the music category. It is the only one in the Americas to have this honor.

The big difference between a normal event and a memorable one.

The city is not only competitive in the objective or logistical requirements, such as the variety of suppliers, the hotel offer, the square meters of supply for the realization of events or exhibitions, connectivity, and service providers, among others, but it is also versatile in the complementary offer to generate unique experiences for attendees.

From the possibility of using public assets of tourist interest such as the Botanical Garden, the National Museum, and the Mambo, among others, to world icons such as the Gold Museum to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá.

In addition to event halls in high-level hotels and auditoriums, the Corferias International Business and Exhibition Center has established itself as the most important venue for fairs, events, and conventions in the Andean region, Central America, and the Caribbean. Bogota has a 15,500 square-meter multifunctional pavilion, consolidating its position as the largest open-air pavilion with columns in Latin America.

Similarly, it is working on the construction of the new International Convention Center "Agora Bogota", which with an investment of 125 million dollars accommodates 3,500 people in the same auditorium.

Another work that demonstrates its incredible awakening is the El Dorado International Airport. It is projected to handle 34 million passengers a year and 1.5 million tons of cargo. The Colombian capital is a destination that reinvents itself every day to offer its visitors unique experiences; a city that invites you to think differently.