Tourism Growth

Macao – October 17, 2026 -- International travel has reached 690 million trips so far this year, 3 million more than in the same period last year, UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais told the 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) in Macao on Saturday, despite geopolitical tension and conflict in the Middle East.

The forum opened at the MGM Theater at MGM COTAI under the theme "Crisis, Resilience, Evolution." It returns to its founding host city after the 11th edition was held in Harbin, Heilongjiang, in December, the first time the event left Macao.

Medellín – October 15, 2026 -- Medellín welcomed 1.2 million foreign tourists in 2025, and the tourism sector generated an economic impact of five trillion pesos ($1.552 billion), according to the city's Department of Tourism and Entertainment.

The department says international arrivals to Colombia's second-largest tourism hub, behind only Bogotá, are growing at nearly 10% annually.

U.S. travelers make up 33% of foreign visitors to Medellín

Mexico, Ecuador, Spain, Peru and Panama follow the United States among the main source countries. Foreign tourists stay four to six nights and spend an average of about 210,000 pesos (around $66) per night, mainly on gastronomy, culture, shopping and wellness.

The true visitor count is believed to be higher than arrivals at José María Córdova International Airport. Many tourists enter Colombia through Bogotá or Cartagena de Indias and then travel inland to Medellín.