Colombia’s minister of trade, industry, and tourism acknowledged the positive tone of the latest United States travel warning.
In a statement released by his ministry, Minister Sergio Diaz-Granados pointed out that the U.S. Department of State named Cartagena and Bogota as great destinations for both tourism and business.
“This new travel warning is conveyed in positive language, which we value, as well as the fact that no negative signs have been placed on particular cities, as had been done in previous versions. Nonetheless, our aim is that citizens around the world feel safe coming to Colombia.”
Diaz-Granados also said he would make it his mission to help improve the travel status of other countries that he feels have received travel warnings that are not consistent with their realities.
Despite the ministry’s optimism, the most recent U.S. travel warning maintains that threats to foreigners still exist. While they say there are no “imminent and specific” threats to Americans, kidnapping and terrorism are still very real risks in certain parts of Colombia.
The ministry pointed out statistics that show travel by air to Colombia has increased 14.3% in the first half of 2011 compared to the first six months of 2010.
With 162,894 Americans visiting Colombia so far in 2011, they make up the majority of tourists entering the country.