Columbia Tipped As Tourist Hot-Spot
Colombia has been tipped as a potential tourist hot-spot following reports that safety conditions in the country have improved.
A series of policies introduced by the government to combat lawlessness and the illegal drugs trade have proved successful in tempting tourists into the country.
In 2007, foreign tourist visits are expected to total 1.3 million, compared with half a million four years ago.
The BBC reports that President Alvaro Uribe told delegates of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation in Cartagena this year: "This country has moved from terrorism to tourism… It is a great joy to see that the tourists are back."
Since he came into office in 2002 kidnappings have dropped by 73 per cent, murders have declined by around 35 per cent and urban crimes rates have also diminished.
He told the BBC: "Colombia has to be seen by visitors as a normal destination where people have a normal life."
According to the Lonely Planet Colombia offers tourists "vibrant cities with soaring skyscrapers" as well as "elegant" port towns "cut by cobbled alleys and bougainvillea-shrouded balconies".
It recommends visiting the country in its dry season, between December and March or July and August for those who plan to go hiking.
Destinations news posted on 17 December 2007
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