Colombia’s tourism authorities expect between 25,000 and 35,000 visitors to flock to the country during the Under-20 World Cup this summer, newspaper El Espectador reported.
The youth soccer tournament kicks off in Colombia on Friday July 29, while the country’s team will take on France a day later in its first match.
Sergio Diaz-Granados, Minister of Commerce, Tourism and Industry, announced that in addition to the projected number of tourists, the Central Bank of Colombia estimated that each visitor will spend between $150 and $200 daily.
“These expenses are related to accommodation, taxis, restaurants, the use of tour packages,” said the minister, adding that “it’s an event that is going to help the country quite a lot.”
“We are going to experience a significant economic impact in the tourism sector…[and] job creation,” Diaz-Granados said.
Around 1,200 journalists from around the globe are also expected to arrive for the duration of the tournament.
