Cartagena de Indias is known as the most attractive tourist destination in Colombia, with its historic walled city, cobblestone streets, and colonial buildings. Since 2010, with improvements in security and tourism in Colombia, the city has experienced accelerated growth in the number of visitors and economic activity.
In November 2024, the city received 306,681 visitors, of which 80% were Colombians and 20% foreigners, with the highest presence of tourists from the United States, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, and Chile. However, the increase in demand has created challenges such as gentrification in the historic center, where most inhabitants have been displaced by hotels, shopping centers, and restaurants.
The nearby islands are also affected by the lack of regulations, with overcrowding on beaches and bays, and an excess of vessels on the routes. Authorities and local entrepreneurs must work towards achieving a balance for sustainable tourism development in Cartagena.
The invasive presence of street vendors, drug offerings on the streets, and scams on the beaches have raised concerns about the visitor experience. Despite this, Cartagena remains a charming destination for those who visit, with highlights in its culinary offerings like Candé and Casa Cruxada.
On the other hand, places like Ibbiza Island Beach Club and Mar de las Antillas receive criticism for questionable practices, such as using medium or low-quality ingredients, high prices, and imposing additional tips. The tourism industry in Cartagena requires regulation to prevent negative consequences of overtourism.
Despite having received approximately 4.8 million tourists in 2024, Cartagena faces the challenge of overtourism that has been ongoing for some time, demanding urgent measures to preserve its appeal and long-term sustainability.
