The crisis in the hotel and tourism has been reflected in problematic economic, social, cultural and political figures that has devastated the housing and foreigners in our country. Beginning in 1999, experienced the largest depression because of the violence, the government and the misdistribution of money. This was manifested dare of the figures and the delay of tourism development.

It is also evident, and has been shown historically that the economy and tourism are closely linked and there is a strong correlation in their behavior. When economic growth is high, tourism is growing and improving, but instead in times of contraction and a slowing economy and performance indicators fall tour. Today investments are key to the success of the hotel. Millions of investors are still plotting and dynamic hotel projects that are based on trends and prospects informed because the hotel is linked to the full with the economy and more than a growing country like ours. The government has also played a roll too important in the growth of hotel projects because they have implemented ideas to promote hotel investment and tax cuts in new or remodeled hotels.

What impact has created in our country hotel employment from 1999 to this year?

In Colombia, the economy in 1999 historical record ends. The first by low inflation and the second for his sharp recession and high unemployment. The problem that is generated in our country was so sharp economic contraction, which had many causes, some immediately and the international financial crisis unleashed in 1998 and others that were brewing slowly.

Faced with this grave situation the country was also lived social crisis that prevented tourism and its sub-industry, hotels, could see an improvement in their views and accommodations. During these years, felt the economic downturn and insecurity on the roads prevented the mobilization of domestic tourists as in previous years. In support of this research even better, I received great help from someone who consider making a major contribution to research. Giovanny Paez, hotel auditor studio apartment five years ago Andes and student research training at the university and externally, who wanted to share his experience in the hospitality and figures of the industry that created impact on our country, says that 1999 was the most difficult in the economy and hotel accommodation which recorded an average of 39.1% in contrast to the year 2008 where the occupancy reached 95% this year and continues to grow in absolute terms. “The country has not experienced any notary crisis that has affected the hotel directly from the current government because of the importance it has given the country race, which makes foreign investment and with it increased employment.”

Despite having registered its lowest level in the hotel for the past five years, it is noteworthy that despite the problem of unemployment that the country was in 1999, the number of jobs remained in hotels and agencies tourism sector.

To create a change in these figures, and as a government strategy to exit the hotel crisis, tax reform was approved by Act 788 of 2002, which established incentives for investment in tourism. Were declared exempt from income tax for a term of 30 years for new investments for the provision of accommodation and lodging and 15 years for renovations or extensions. This measure incentive to create new investment and renovations, and was essential for foreign investment through an efficient promotion and delivery of national treatment, simplifying procedures and providing incentives for different points sectored national geography.

From the excellent performance between 2002 and 2007, and even part of 2008, there has been a boom in hotel investment, not only in construction but in the remodeling of resorts. There are 15 000 new rooms and a growth of 18% of installed capacity. An investment in 2007 was U.S. $ 550 million and for 2009 is projected to reach $ 700 million for a 30% growth. Although the occupation falls, investment in the sector increases because the hotel projects are dynamic and are based on trends and prospects informed.

In conclusion then, if we recognize that the hotel is linked to the full with the economy of a growing country like ours. We have seen a positive impact by foreign investors who believe that our country has to be given the war and stand against other developing countries and also of course our government has implemented ideas to promote the hotel investment. Also I would like to share perspectives as COTELCO Tourism for the current year 2009 and thus give insight into the expectations of our country.

• Continue to improve the image and perception of confidence

• More resources via the Tourism Promotion Fund to:

- Competitiveness

- Internal Promotion

- International Promotion

• Quality Programs

- Categorization

- Quality Certification

- Environmental Certification

• Hotels Control (serious situation for the hotel formal)

• More national and international air connectivity

• More short trips – less long distance travel

• More investments in hotel

• More investment in Parks

• More investment in convention centers

• Bilingual Program