AGP Executive Report

World Cup Travel Watch: FIFA ticket resale prices are easing ahead of kickoff, with the average U.S. resale “get-in” price down 23% in a month, even as Colombia-Portugal in Miami remains among the priciest matches. Portugal Squad Spotlight: Cristiano Ronaldo is named for a record sixth World Cup at 41, with coach Roberto Martínez also honoring the late Diogo Jota as a “plus one.” Colombia Elections Risk: A new report warns that criminal groups and illegal armed actors may be influencing where and how Colombians vote in 2026, with polling stations in danger. Ebola Cross-Border Concern: The U.S. has tightened entry rules for travelers from Ebola-affected countries, keeping DR Congo’s World Cup plans under close monitoring. Culture Moment: Totó la Momposina, the voice behind Colombia’s Caribbean folk legacy, dies at 85. Nature & Travel Inspiration: Colombia is highlighted as the world’s biodiversity leader by species density, and glamping picks keep drawing visitors to spots like Guatapé and Tayrona.

World Cup travel watch: Colombia is urging fans to get the measles (SRP) shot at least 15 days before departure, as all three host countries report active outbreaks—timing matters for mid-June trips. Portugal squad news: Cristiano Ronaldo is set for a record sixth World Cup as Roberto Martínez names him in Portugal’s squad, with a “plus one” tribute to late Diogo Jota. Health & borders: The US has temporarily restricted entry for non‑US travelers coming from Ebola-affected countries, adding uncertainty for some World Cup travel plans if the situation worsens. Colombia policy on narco tourism: Colombia is considering a bill to ban and fine the sale and display of Pablo Escobar-related souvenirs and symbols. Local safety & justice: A mother’s long search for her missing daughter ended with her killing in Valle del Cauca, reigniting concerns about violence against women. Economy & fashion: Colombia’s fashion sector posted 9.7% growth in March, with travel-goods and leather items leading.

Narco-tourism crackdown: Colombia is considering a nationwide ban on selling and displaying Pablo Escobar and other trafficker souvenirs, with fines aimed at curbing “narco-tourism” and glorification. World Cup health push: With measles outbreaks active in all World Cup host countries, Colombia is urging travelers to get the triple viral shot before June 1, and health stations are set up at major terminals. Safety and justice spotlight: In Valle del Cauca, a mother who spent nearly five years searching for her missing daughter since 2021 was found dead after being shot while riding a motorcycle; investigations are ongoing. Campaign pressure: Two presidential campaign staffers were killed in Meta, raising fears of intimidation so close to the May 31 vote. Travel culture angle: Colombia’s birding boom keeps growing as app-driven birdwatching brings more international visitors.

Illegal Clinics Crackdown: A 52-year-old woman’s disappearance in Bogotá after liposuction at an unlicensed clinic has reignited outrage and renewed scrutiny of clandestine cosmetic services across Colombia. Elections Under Pressure: Two presidential campaign staffers were killed in Meta, with Colombia’s ombudsman warning the violence could disrupt political rights ahead of the May 31 vote. Ocean Commitments: Colombia joined the 100% Alliance, pledging sustainable management for all national waters by 2030, with ocean plans meant to balance conservation and sectors like tourism and fishing. Travel-Worthy Culture & Nature: Colombia topped Global Big Day birdwatching for a fifth straight year, logging 1,566 species in one day—another boost for eco-tourism and app-driven birding. Wellness Trend: Maderoterapia continues to draw attention as a Colombian wellness ritual marketed for bloating relief and skin sculpting.

Election Violence: Two presidential campaign staffers were killed in Colombia’s Meta department, with the ombudsman warning the attacks could disrupt political rights and democratic participation ahead of the May 31 vote. Travel Tech Boom: Birding is getting a major boost from apps like Merlin and eBird, which are now driving international visitors to Colombia’s small hotels and nature spots. Biodiversity Spotlight: Colombia topped Global Big Day for a fifth straight year, logging 1,566 species in one day. New Stays in Neiva: A Colombian designer turned a downtown Neiva property into a fully automated boutique hotel with digital access and no front desk. Money & Tourism Links: The “Dubai Papers” scandal is now reaching Colombia, with authorities seizing luxury hotels tied to a Belgian aristocrat. Local Life & Economy: Colombia’s Q1 2026 GDP grew 2.2%, slower than 2025’s 2.5%, with public spending helping offset weaker areas.

UN Climate Accountability Push: Vanuatu is driving a UN vote expected May 20 to turn the ICJ’s 2025 climate advisory opinion into clearer legal responsibility, shifting the debate from promises to enforceable follow-up. Colombia Culture Spotlight: Circus artist Julian Moreno shares his rise from living on the streets in Pasto to performing on global stages like Cirque du Soleil. Nature & Tourism Buzz: Colombia took first place in the Global Big Day for a fifth straight year, logging 1,566 bird species in one day. Security & Politics: Two presidential campaign staffers were killed in Meta, raising election-week fears of intimidation. Economy Watch: Colombia’s GDP grew 2.2% in Q1 2026, slower than 2.5% a year earlier, with public-sector activity propping up results. Travel Practicalities: A US visa case ended in relief for a Utah girl stuck in Colombia for months after a denial—then a reversal. Regional Context: Venezuela extradited billionaire Alex Saab to the US, signaling a hardening political crackdown.

Election Violence: Two presidential campaign staffers were killed in Colombia’s Meta department, with the ombudsman warning the attacks could disrupt political rights ahead of the May 31 vote. Economy Watch: Colombia’s GDP grew 2.2% in Q1 2026, slower than 2.5% in the same period last year, with public administration and defense helping offset weaker areas. World Cup Travel: Miami-Dade announced free game-day shuttles for verified ticket holders to cut traffic near Hard Rock Stadium, using multiple transit hubs. Health & Travel: The CDC flagged mosquito-borne chikungunya risk in several destinations and notes Colombia has reported cases for the first time this year—pack repellent and plan for bite prevention. Tourism Context: Colombia’s small businesses remain the backbone—DANE says about 70% of microbusinesses are owner-run.

Fertiliser crunch fears: With the US-Iran conflict pushing up fuel and logistics costs, and reports saying up to 20% of global fertiliser exports can’t move due to Hormuz disruptions, a new food-price shock is looming—especially for import-dependent countries in Africa, where officials are urging emergency action. Colombia economy watch: Colombia’s GDP grew 2.2% in Q1 2026, slower than 2.5% in the same period last year, with public administration and defense helping offset declines in other sectors. Health alert for travellers: The CDC issued a Level 2 advisory for Mauritius over chikungunya, noting vaccine-preventable risk and urging repellent and long clothing—Colombia is among countries reporting cases for the first time this year. World Cup travel planning: Miami-Dade announced free game-day shuttles for verified ticket holders to cut traffic near Hard Rock Stadium, while Colombia’s World Cup base-camp details continue to firm up.

US Boat Strike Names: A new investigation says the Trump administration’s boat bombings have killed nearly 200 people, and journalists have now identified 13 victims despite efforts to keep identities hidden, including relatives reporting threats in Venezuela and Santa Marta, Colombia. CIA Havana Pressure: CIA director John Ratcliffe visited Havana to deliver a “deal” message tied to Cuba’s economic and security shifts—while Cuba reports fuel shortages and widening blackouts. Colombia Economy Watch: Colombia’s GDP grew 2.2% in Q1 2026, slower than 2.5% in the same period last year, with public-sector activity helping offset declines. Microbusiness Reality: New DANE data finds 7 in 10 Colombian microbusinesses are owner-run, underscoring how small shops and workshops drive local jobs. World Cup Logistics (Colombia-linked): FIFA base camps are set; Colombia will train at Atlas Academy in Mexico, as host cities finalize travel and match-day transport. Health & Travel: CDC issued a Level 2 advisory for Mauritius over chikungunya, with vaccine and bite-prevention guidance. Colombia Nature Tourism: Colombia topped Global Big Day bird counts, reinforcing its pull for eco-travel and birdwatching.

World Cup travel push (Miami-Dade): Miami-Dade County just announced free, day-of shuttle rides for verified ticket holders to World Cup matches, using four hub stops (MLK Plaza Metrorail, Golden Glades, Aventura Brightline, and Seminole Hard Rock) with seats first-come, first-served to cut traffic and parking demand near Hard Rock Stadium. Health alert for travelers: The CDC issued a Level 2 advisory for Mauritius over chikungunya, urging enhanced precautions like vaccines, repellent, and protective clothing—an extra reminder that outbreaks can shift travel plans fast. Colombia spotlight: Colombia topped Global Big Day bird counts again, reinforcing demand for nature tourism, while a separate report flagged high UVB skin-cancer risk in major inland cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Bucaramanga. Colombia sports: Néstor Lorenzo released Colombia’s initial 55-player World Cup roster, the next step toward the final 26-man squad.

Budget Travel Shock: Spirit Airlines’ abrupt collapse is already reshaping plans for bargain flyers, with travelers now scrambling for new loyalty programs and routes—especially those who relied on Spirit’s low-cost links to Colombia and the Caribbean. Health & Sun Safety: A new Colombia risk map flags ten inland cities with higher UVB skin-cancer exposure—Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Bucaramanga, Cúcuta, Tunja, Manizales, Pasto, Popayán and Neiva—so locals and visitors should treat midday sun protection as non-negotiable. Getting There (Colombia-linked): Venezuela’s international flights jumped 33% (plus 27% domestic) as new carriers return and expand connections, including a Houston–Caracas link and Qatar Airways’ planned August arrival. World Cup Buzz: Colombia named an initial 55-player squad for 2026, keeping the core while stirring debate over omissions and surprises. Local Culture: Nicky Jam turned Bogotá’s TransMilenio into a surprise mini-concert, giving commuters a viral moment ahead of his June 6 show at El Campín.

Border Patrol Shake-Up: Mike Banks has resigned after reports alleging sex tourism, including trips to Colombia and Thailand, with claims that the conduct was known among colleagues and previously reviewed by CBP without action. Colombia Travel Buzz: A new luxury LGBT+ itinerary from Brand g Vacations is being marketed as a “Taste of Colombia” 9-night journey linking Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and an overnight in Guatapé. Tourism Recognition: Colombia picked up 52 nominations at the 2026 World Travel Awards, spanning destinations, hotels, and categories like culinary and green tourism. Culture on the Move: Nicky Jam turned Bogotá’s TransMilenio into a viral mini-concert ahead of his June 6 show at El Campin. Travel Industry Watch: A Caribbean travel trends report says the region is shifting toward higher-value, Latin American demand—useful context for Colombia’s broader tourism competition.

Aviation Shock for Colombia Travelers: Spirit Airlines’ collapse is already rippling through the region, with 17 routes and even one airport reportedly abandoned—meaning fewer nonstop options and likely higher fares as competitors absorb demand. World Cup Travel Push: With the tournament one month away, flight searches to host hubs are spiking; Atlanta is up 26% year-over-year for World Cup dates, a sign travelers are locking in plans fast. Colombia Tourism Spotlight: Colombia picked up 52 nominations at the 2026 World Travel Awards, including major categories tied to culture, food, nature, and adventure. Safety & Humanitarian Pressure: The Red Cross warns Colombia’s humanitarian situation hit its worst point in a decade, driven by intensified armed violence and rising displacement—an important backdrop for any travel planning. Luxury Signals: Marriott is positioning Lima for more high-end traffic with major brand conversions in 2028, reinforcing the broader luxury travel momentum across the region.

Avianca Disruption in Colombia: A boozed-up passenger on an Avianca flight from Bogotá to Madrid was allegedly caught masturbating in his seat, prompting police to board after an emergency return to El Dorado Airport and an investigation into the incident. Luxury Travel Boost: Four Seasons unveiled 2028 Private Jet Experience itineraries that add Cartagena, Colombia, plus Antarctica and Machu Picchu. Cargo Spotlight: Avianca Cargo moved 21,000+ tonnes of flowers for Mother’s Day, with 330 million stems shipped and 42% of Colombian flower exports to the U.S. Bogotá Fashion Week: The city’s fashion push returns with 145 brands and hundreds of buyer meetings aimed at turning local designers into export players. Humanitarian Pressure: The Red Cross warns Colombia’s humanitarian crisis hit the worst level in a decade, driven by intensified armed violence and mass displacement. Environment Watch: Colombia’s Cerros de la Plaza glacier has fully disappeared, and invasive Hydrilla is choking the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta wetland.

Aviation & Connectivity: United Airlines is restarting nonstop daily flights between Houston and Caracas on Aug. 11, ending nearly a decade of limited U.S.–Venezuela air links. Travel Demand Pressure: Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Los Angeles hotel bookings are running well below average, with some properties far from their usual summer occupancy. Colombia’s Global Spotlight: Bogotá Fashion Week is pushing Colombia’s designers onto the international stage with buyers, meetings, and export ambitions. Climate & Nature Watch: European satellite data points to the full retreat of Colombia’s Cerros de la Plaza glacier over the past decade, while in the Caribbean, invasive Hydrilla is choking the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta’s waterways—threatening fishing and local access. Community & Culture: Colombia’s displaced millions keep reshaping the region’s map of uprooting, even as local projects—from coral restoration to new dining spots—show resilience.

Invasive plant crisis: A fast-spreading Asian invasive plant (Hydrilla verticillata) is choking Colombia’s Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta wetland, blocking fishing routes and raising costs for communities that depend on the lagoon. Travel connectivity: Avianca is adding more nonstop options to Colombia’s Caribbean—daily Miami–Barranquilla from June 1, plus extra Bogotá–Fort Lauderdale capacity. New long-haul link: Qatar Airways confirms a Doha–Bogotá–Caracas triangle route starting July 22, twice weekly, giving the Gulf a direct path to both capitals. Colorful Cartagena buzz: Cartagena has been named South America’s most colorful city, scoring highest for “vibrancy” tied to its bright Old Town facades. World Cup momentum: With the tournament a month away, Colombia fans are already hunting tickets for Colombia vs DR Congo, while South Florida braces for heavy match-day travel. Nature + safety: Colombia’s climate is driven by altitude, not seasons—so packing for the day’s thermal floor matters.