Avianca, in partnership with the District Institute of Tourism (IDT) and El Dorado Airport, launched the initiative “Stopover Bogotá: Amor a primera pista” this Tuesday. The goal is clear: to transform the Colombian capital from a transit point into a tourist destination and thereby boost the local economy.
What is the ‘stopover’ program?
This new program allows connecting passengers to stay in Bogotá for six to 24 hours, with the option to take advantage of tourist packages designed by the IDT. Reservations are made directly on Avianca’s website by checking the ‘stopover’ box and adjusting the itinerary as needed.
In its first phase, the program will focus on seven key markets: Lima, Madrid, Guayaquil, Miami, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, and Brazil.
A Move with Economic Impact
In 2024, El Dorado Airport handled 45 million passengers, six million of whom were in transit. Avianca accounted for nearly 50% of that market. With the new program, the Bogotá Mayor’s Office estimates an economic boost of US$24 million in the first year, based on an average spending of US$100 per visitor per night.
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“This will drive higher sales for tourism, hotels, restaurants, and cultural offerings,” said Andrés Santamaría, director of the IDT. He also noted that Bogotá currently receives 1.8 million tourists annually. With the stopover program, an additional 432,000 visitors are expected, surpassing 2.2 million travelers per year.
Bogotá: Connectivity and Potential
Felipe Gómez, Avianca’s Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability, emphasized that the Colombian capital is home to the busiest passenger airport in Latin America, surpassing Mexico City and São Paulo. Despite this, Panama, with a smaller airport, generates more connections—a fact that inspired Avianca’s new initiative.
Currently, the airline operates 240 daily flights from Bogotá, connecting to over 40 domestic and 20 international destinations. “This product is highly sought-after and successful worldwide, and achieving it requires strong coordination among all stakeholders in the chain,” Gómez explained.
Bogotá Aims to Win Over Transit Passengers
The ‘stopover’ program not only aims to attract new tourists but also to capitalize on those already passing through El Dorado. The initiative presents a strategic opportunity for passengers to discover Bogotá’s wonders in just a few hours, encouraging them to return in the future for longer stays.
With this move, Avianca strengthens its role as a key player in regional connectivity and bets on positioning Bogotá as a new tourist hub in Latin America.
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