Colombia once again made its mark on the international tourism scene following the results of the 2026 World Travel Awards, widely known as the “Oscars of the travel industry.” The awards recognize destinations, hotels and businesses connected to the tourism sector. Boyaca, Cartagena de Indias and Bogota stood out in this edition for their regional attractions, tourism offerings, and hotel and event infrastructure.
Among the most notable honors, Boyaca was named South America’s Leading Regional Destination, Cartagena received the award for South America’s Leading Honeymoon Destination, and several establishments in Bogota earned distinctions in categories related to meetings, conferences and accommodation. Colombia was also recognized as South America’s Leading Youth Travel Destination, highlighting its appeal to younger travelers.
Boyaca wins South America’s leading regional destination for the second consecutive year
Boyaca received the title of South America’s Leading Regional Destination 2026, winning the category for the second consecutive year after receiving the same award in 2025. The distinction highlights the department’s tourism offerings, which combine historical heritage, colonial architecture, cultural traditions and natural landscapes.
Among the destinations contributing to its appeal are Villa de Leyva, Mongui, Tibasosa, Iza and Raquira, towns known for their architecture, handicrafts and cultural traditions. The department’s attractions also include landscapes such as Lake Tota and the Oceta Paramo, which draw visitors interested in nature and outdoor activities.
The international recognition once again shines a spotlight on a department that offers alternatives to traditional tourism in major cities. Its heritage towns, gastronomy and natural scenery provide opportunities to explore history, culture and the surrounding environment.
@ronald.eddier Sogamoso de mis amores (día de la boyacensidad) #sogamoso #sogamosoboyaca #boyaca #reinaldoarmasoficial #dronevideo ♬ A Sogamoso – Reynaldo Armas
Cartagena strengthens its position as a honeymoon destination
Cartagena de Indias was named South America’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2026, a category that recognizes its standing among preferred destinations for couples. The city combines historic architecture, colonial streets, nearby beaches, restaurants and a hotel offering that includes luxury properties and accommodations housed in heritage buildings.
The recognition was accompanied by several awards for hotels in the city. Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena received the titles of South America’s Leading Hotel and South America’s Leading Heritage Hotel. In addition, its Botero Presidential Suite was recognized as the region’s leading hotel suite.
Meanwhile, Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena received the award for South America’s Leading New Hotel 2026. These distinctions highlight the role of the hotel industry in strengthening Cartagena’s international profile and diversifying the experiences available to visitors.
@droningcartagena Video con dron en Cartagena. Desde la imponente muralla. #cartagenadeindias #lasmurallas #vacacionesencartagena #quehacerencartagena #videocondronencartagena ♬ sonido original – Juankoz19
Bogota strengthens its position in business tourism and meetings
The Colombian capital also achieved notable results, particularly in categories related to event infrastructure and hotel services. Four Bogota establishments were recognized in the 2026 awards, increasing the city’s visibility as a destination for congresses, conventions and corporate travel.
Ágora Bogota Convention Center was named South America’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre. The venue hosts congresses, trade fairs and business gatherings with national and international reach.
In the hotel sector, JW Marriott Hotel Bogota received the award for Colombia’s Leading Conference Hotel. Meanwhile, 101 Park House was named South America’s Leading Boutique Hotel, while B.O.G. Hotel won the title of South America’s Leading Design Hotel.
These results reflect different aspects of Bogota’s tourism offering: venues for major gatherings, accommodation tailored to business travelers, and hotels that emphasize design and distinctive guest experiences.
@jimmy.malagon.a Registros nocturnos de la ciudad . . #bogotá #bogcityfotografica #colombianino #colombia #dronedaily #droneshots #dronephotography #dronelife #dji #drone #djicolombia #droneoftheday #dronebogota #dronecolombia #city #cityskyline #cityscape #dron #bogota #dronbogota ♬ Roi – Videoclub & Adèle Castillon & Mattyeux
Colombia also earns recognition in youth travel
Beyond the awards presented to individual destinations and establishments, Colombia was named South America’s Leading Youth Travel Destination 2026. The country received the award for the second consecutive year, having also won in 2023 and 2025, as well as in 2021.
This category recognizes the country’s appeal to young travelers, backpackers and visitors interested in combining cultural activities, nature, adventure and urban experiences. Colombia’s geographical diversity allows travelers to experience cities, beaches, mountains, coffee-growing regions and natural destinations within a single trip.
The 2026 World Travel Awards results highlight the variety of Colombia’s tourism strengths. While Boyaca stands out for its heritage and landscapes, Cartagena continues to build its profile as a romantic destination with a strong hotel sector, and Bogota expands its recognition in business tourism. Together, these distinctions bring international visibility to different regions and segments of Colombia’s tourism industry.