More than 984,000 tourists entered the highland country last year, representing a decrease of almost 20,000 tourists compared to 2023.
In 2024, Bolivia welcomed more than 984,000 international tourists, who generated a significant income of approximately US$ 736.6 million, reported the Minister of Productive Development and Plural Economy, Néstor Huanca.
“In 2024, Bolivia has received more than 984,000 foreign tourists, who have contributed to the country's economy with around US$ 736.6 million in foreign currency,” the authority said on Sunday, at a celebration on the occasion of National Tourism Day, which is celebrated every January 12.
TOURISM
Huanca explained that, compared to 2023, the number of visitors shows a “slight decrease” due to “unjustified blockades” by certain sectors and politicians, which affected both the population and the Bolivian economy. That year, the number of tourists entering the country was 1,009,247.
According to the Government of Luis Arce, in 2024 the high plateau country was paralyzed for more than 40 days due to the pressure measures of the Evo wing of the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS), which discouraged tourist activities.
However, “despite these drawbacks, there has been a 7% increase in foreign exchange earnings, which could have been even higher if it were not for the blockades,” the minister added.
The authority stressed that Bolivia has an "enormous" tourism potential that generates income, employment and contributes to the diversification of the economy.
"POTENTIAL "
“Tourism not only boosts our economy, but also promotes the culture, heritage and identity of our Plurinational State. Bolivia is rich in cultural diversity and has a natural and ancestral vocation for tourism, with immense potential in these areas,” Huanca stressed.
He also highlighted that the diverse Andean, Amazonian and Chaco landscapes, colonial cities and ancestral traditions make Bolivia an attractive and unique destination for visitors from all over the world.
“Within the framework of the General Tourism Law, 'Bolivia Te Espera', Bolivians must continue working together to promote and strengthen tourism activity as a key driver for the economic and social development of the country,” Huanca urged.
For his part, the Vice Minister of Tourism, Hiver Flores, predicted that 2025 will be a year with better income and results for the sector, due to all the activities planned for the Bicentennial.
