Theme parks and amusement parks in Colombia generate $2 trillion in annual sales and attract 18 million visitors each year, according to the Colombian Association of Attractions and Amusement Parks (Acolap). These nearly 700 formal establishments create up to 30,000 jobs and are becoming key players in the national tourism chain.
The theme and amusement parks sector in Colombia has shown notable growth, with a 10% increase in the first semester, according to Acolap. In the context of a general economic expansion of 2.8% in 2025 reported by Dane, entertainment stands out for its contribution. The five most visited parks are Hacienda Nápoles Theme Parks, Parque Nacional del Café, Salitre Mágico, MundoAventura, and Piscilago.
Hacienda Nápoles, located in Puerto Triunfo, Antioquia, has become a reference after 18 years of operation. Oscar Jairo Orozco, its manager, stated that it is now the fourth park in Latin America by number of visitors and expects to receive more than one million people in 2025. This site, previously linked to the Medellín Cartel, now drives the local economy in the Antioquian Middle Magdalena region.
However, the sector faces challenges from the Government's labor reform, which introduces surcharges for Sundays, holidays, and overtime. Ángela Díaz, Acolap's director, explained: "The entry into force of the labor reform impacts the sector because it includes surcharges for Sundays, holidays, and overtime, which have a very large impact since theme parks carry out their activities precisely on weekends." Additionally, the 23.7% increase in the minimum wage affects 70% of operations, as the sector is labor-intensive.
Díaz added that business owners must review their cost structures, with salaries becoming the main expense ahead of maintenance. While staff cuts are considered, park safety laws limit this option, as each attraction requires operators. For 2026, additional challenges are anticipated from first-semester elections, which will reduce operating days on Sundays, and the Football World Cup, which could impact demand. Acolap emphasizes the need for careful projection analyses in this year of uncertainty.
