ΔΙΕΘΝΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΗΛΕΚΤΡΟΝΙΚΗ ΕΦΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ ΠΟΙΚΙΛΗΣ ΥΛΗΣ - ΕΔΡΑ: ΑΘΗΝΑ

Ει βούλει καλώς ακούειν, μάθε καλώς λέγειν, μαθών δε καλώς λέγειν, πειρώ καλώς πράττειν, και ούτω καρπώση το καλώς ακούειν. (Επίκτητος)

(Αν θέλεις να σε επαινούν, μάθε πρώτα να λες καλά λόγια, και αφού μάθεις να λες καλά λόγια, να κάνεις καλές πράξεις, και τότε θα ακούς καλά λόγια για εσένα).

Τρίτη 6 Ιανουαρίου 2026

IBTM Barcelona 2025: How Colombia is Captivating the World’s MICE Industry with Unmatched Business Opportunities

 

The meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry in Colombia is experiencing a significant transformation, positioning the country as a thriving hub for global business events. Under the leadership of ProColombia’s Head of MICE, Maria Oriani, the country is attracting an increasing number of international congresses, corporate events, and incentive programs. Colombia’s resilience, authenticity, and diverse regional offerings are fueling its growth as an emerging destination for business tourism in 2026.

Colombia’s MICE Landscape: A Hub for Congresses and Corporate Events

ProColombia’s mission to promote Colombia as a top-tier destination for meetings and business tourism is bearing fruit. In a recent interview, Maria Oriani emphasized the importance of Colombia’s dynamic MICE sector in attracting international visitors. The country’s unique position within Latin America makes it an ideal location for diverse business events, ranging from large-scale international congresses to corporate meetings.

“Colombia has six distinct regions, each offering a wide range of experiences,” Oriani explained. These regions cater to a variety of international and local business needs, showcasing Colombia’s resilience and growing infrastructure for large-scale business tourism. From Bogotá’s cosmopolitan atmosphere to Medellín’s innovative business environment, Colombia’s cities are well-equipped to host major global events.

Since recovering from the pandemic, Colombia has emerged as a strong contender in the global MICE industry. With world-class venues and hotels, the country is rapidly gaining recognition for hosting prestigious international congresses. ProColombia is dedicated to increasing Colombia’s visibility by collaborating with key international players, working with convention bureaus, and leveraging the growing interest in incentive travel.


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At IBTM World 2025, ProColombia, the national entity promoting international tourism and investment, highlighted the country’s transformation and presented it as a top emerging destination for the MICE industry. ProColombia brought 15 partners, including representatives from venues, hotels, and destinations, to showcase Colombia’s evolving business ecosystem and network. A key aspect of their participation involved numerous one-on-one meetings with vetted global buyers, a core feature of the IBTM hosted buyer program designed to create high-impact business opportunities.

Maria Oriani noted the importance of the event for “bringing Colombia to the loop of international congresses” and growing the corporate and incentives segments. Discussions and exchanges at the event focused on solidifying Colombia’s place on the global events map and leveraging data-driven insights to attract future business.

The Surge in Corporate Incentives: A Game-Changer for Colombia

Incentive travel has become a cornerstone of Colombia’s MICE strategy, with Oriani highlighting the rapid growth in this sector. Incentive programs offer corporate clients unique, tailored experiences that blend leisure and business. Companies are increasingly choosing Colombia for their incentive trips due to its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and world-class hospitality.

Colombia’s regions offer an array of activities that can cater to corporate clients seeking both relaxation and productivity. From the scenic beaches of Cartagena to the lush coffee regions in the Andean mountains, Colombia provides a perfect setting for businesses to reward their employees, enhance team-building, and foster innovation.

“Corporations are looking for more than just a conference room; they want immersive, unforgettable experiences that help strengthen relationships and boost morale,” said Oriani. Colombia’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty make it the perfect backdrop for this growing demand in incentive travel.

ProColombia’s Role: Enhancing Global Business Opportunities

At the forefront of Colombia’s MICE promotion is ProColombia, the country’s national promotion agency. ProColombia works tirelessly to connect international businesses and organizations with Colombia’s convention bureaus and local event management companies.

At events like IBTM World in Barcelona, ProColombia brings together Colombia’s top MICE stakeholders to form valuable partnerships and engage with new markets. “We have seen new countries visiting Colombia, many for the first time, and others returning to explore new regions,” Oriani noted. This international outreach is crucial for enhancing Colombia’s reputation as an emerging MICE destination.

The presence of 15 partners, ranging from convention centers to hotels, at ProColombia’s booth is a testament to the country’s growing MICE ecosystem. By offering tailored services and packages, these partners help position Colombia as a comprehensive business destination for global events.

Congresses in Colombia: Bringing the World’s Experts Together

One of Colombia’s strongest MICE sectors is the successful hosting of international congresses. In recent years, Colombia has become a prominent location for international conferences, especially in industries such as technology, healthcare, and education.

Colombia’s strategic location in Latin America makes it an ideal venue for attracting major global congresses. Its modern infrastructure, combined with a well-trained workforce, ensures that large-scale international events run smoothly. Colombia has already hosted several major events and continues to attract a range of high-profile international congresses in various fields.

“After the pandemic, we’ve focused on bringing world congresses to Colombia, and we’re seeing great success,” Oriani shared. As the country strengthens its business environment, Colombia is emerging as a top choice for global conferences, attracting industry leaders and decision-makers from around the world.

ProColombia Strengthens Alliances with Key Partners

An essential part of Colombia’s MICE strategy is its ongoing partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) as a Latin America & Caribbean Partner. Through this collaboration, ProColombia is working to position Colombia as a world-class destination for international events.

ProColombia’s participation at IBTM World and similar events demonstrates the growing alliances with key industry organizations. This partnership not only increases Colombia’s visibility on the global stage but also enables the country to tap into ICCA’s vast network of event organizers and suppliers.

Looking Ahead: The Future of MICE in Colombia

As Colombia continues to grow its MICE industry, the future looks bright for the country’s business tourism sector. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and regional collaboration, Colombia is positioning itself as a forward-thinking destination. The country is making major strides in improving its business infrastructure, and ProColombia’s ongoing initiatives are set to make 2026 a pivotal year for Colombia’s MICE market.

ProColombia has ambitious plans to expand its MICE reach, not only in Latin America but across the globe. In the coming years, Colombia aims to establish itself as one of the top MICE destinations in the world, thanks to its compelling combination of culture, business-friendly policies, and vibrant regions.

Why Choose Colombia for Your Next MICE Event

  1. Diverse Destinations: From vibrant cities to tranquil natural settings, Colombia’s six regions offer the perfect environment for a wide range of business events.
  2. World-Class Venues: With an array of modern hotels, convention centers, and unique venues, Colombia is equipped to host events of all sizes.
  3. Rich Cultural Heritage: Colombia’s cultural diversity provides a unique backdrop for incentive programs, team-building, and networking events.
  4. Strategic Location: Positioned in the heart of Latin America, Colombia serves as a gateway for international business connections.
  5. Strong Industry Support: ProColombia and its network of convention bureaus offer dedicated support to ensure the success of business events.

Conclusion: Colombia – A Business Destination You Can Trust

Colombia’s evolution into a leading MICE destination is a testament to its resilience and commitment to providing world-class experiences for international business travelers. With a focus on international congresses, corporate events, and incentive travel, Colombia is rapidly establishing itself as a must-visit destination for business tourism in 2026.

ProColombia’s ongoing efforts, paired with Colombia’s diverse regional offerings, make it an ideal choice for businesses seeking a dynamic and unforgettable event experience. From hosting global congresses to providing immersive incentive programs, Colombia is poised to become a central hub for MICE tourism in Latin America.

(disclaimer: the image is for representational purposes only and not of the actual event)

Tags: IBTM World 2025 Maria Oriani Colombia