Visitor statistics...here we come

[Cali vet]

Ran accross these statistics from DAS "Ingreso de Extranjeros 2001"

Estados Unidos    117,210
Espana             21,240
Canada             18,206
Italia             16,760
Alemania           13,050
Francia            12,330
Reino Unido        10,376

[cancunhound]

... in response to Visitor statistics...here we come, posted by Cali vet on Jul 21, 2003

I would have figured more on the US count.
With about 10 different daily flights of 757 or similar planes, say 150 on each plane, then apply a load factor, I would estimate about 1/2 a million per year from the US alone via air.

Now then the DAS numbers would imply that that about 1/5 of that are US passport holders.  I guess maybe that sounds about right judging from the mix of people on the airplane going down there, predominately Colombians.

Taking the numbers further, on any given day this would imply about 300 gringos visiting Colombia - I guess that sounds about right too.  Figure maybe 25% looking for a latina bride?  Throw in a dozen of so agencies that would mean about 6 to 7 gringos/day at each agency.  Predominately Bogota and Cali.   Doesn't sound that far fetched.  So for those visiting rest assured that you're not going to be surrounded by lots of gringos.

Those DAS numbers surely don't include cruise ship visitors to Cartagena?  That would really blow my numbers game.

Sorry, but numbers are my livelihood.

I'd be interested to know how many gringos are toting cedulas and are there full time.  Surely DAS has those useless statistics as well.

[Kit]

... in response to Interesting, posted by cancunhound on Jul 21, 2003

I beleive it. I am sure stats are made based on immigration control numbers. I flew a few times to Colombia and every time I was the only non_Colombian on the fully packed plane. Of those Colombians who live in US, majority are either Colombians or US green card holders (not citizens) and therefore considered as Colombians upon entry. Minority are born in Colombia US citizens who are not looking for a bride in any form or fashion but simply visiting their extensive relatives. 5/7 (new) gringos at the agency every day is pushing it. 1/2 is more like it for well known places. newly offsprung agencies dont see new faces for weeks.

[cancunhound]

... in response to Re: Interesting, posted by Kit on Jul 21, 2003

[This message has been edited by cancunhound]

It would be interesting to hear recent reports of how many other guests were at various agencies for those that have been doing the agency thing.  Seems like alot of guys think that starting up an agency could be an easy profitable endeavour, but reality is it might be harder to attract a steady flow of US gringos than they think.  The immigration changes over the years certainly haven't helped - imagine 10 years ago the process was a delightful enjoyable experience that involved dealing with "real" people and the whole thing required just a "lengthy" several weeks.  Heck now I think I'd rather deal with Colombia's DAS (at least there's the likelihood of a little payoff to assist).

As far as the number of gringos on the airplane, come to think of it 1 out of 5 does sound way too high - seems like I typically see just a handfull, the occasional agency seeker (always obvious), a couple of business guys - the rest married gringos.  Hence according to the statistics, many Colombians are using their US passport for gaining entry (anything to avoid the airport tax!) - which is a pretty serious crime there.

[lswote]

... in response to Re:  # of gringos at the agencies, posted by cancunhound on Jul 22, 2003

I know LAI in Bogota felt they had a successful tour if they could get 25 guys in for it and they are an established agency with a good reputation.  I don't think the market is that big.

[Pete E]

... in response to Re: Re:  # of gringos at the agencies, posted by lswote on Jul 22, 2003

And so is LAI and Bogota in general.
When a tour happens,which may be every few months,there will be lots of guys at that agency.I would say avoid the tours(save your time and MONEY),and avoid going when the tour is there,too many guys.I heard like 30 or 40 at LAI one time.
Cali is a whole different deal.My guess would be 4-5 guys at the top 5 agencies and a few others sprinkled around.The whole city of Cali wouldn't have 40 guys at the agencies I don't think.20-30 would be average I think.Then you look at maybe 3000 plus girls on the books,thats 100 women per guy looking at any one time.There is probably another 10 or so guys there who already have girlfiends.
Those agencies are not that busy most of the time.I stayed 18 days at Latin Love,the old Crystal Palace when it was hot in December 99. We had 3-5 guys at any one time.
If a gringo used to Cali went to LAI and found 40 guys he would definetly think he was in the wrong place.
Also,from stories I have heard women who couldn't get a date in Cali were hot items in Bogota.
Supply and demand.Economics 1A applied to shoping for women.
As far as who are those gringos visiting its you could wonder who want to go to Cali other than guys looking for women.A few business guys.Probably more guys who have family connections or novias there.General tourists- zip.

Pete

[pablo]

... in response to Tours are a differnt story, posted by Pete E on Jul 23, 2003


Hi Pete,

I would have to disagree with you on a few points.  As a member of LAI and having attended a couple tours I never saw that many guys during the week the tours were taking place, maybe a third or a fourth that number.

Personally, I would recommend going before the tour officially started getting a jump start on the rest of the guys.  Then when the guys start arriving a certain camaraderie develops plus the activities that LAI puts on are fun and a way to meet some ladies you might never have chosen by just looking in the books.  If you can stay after the tour then all the better as you are once again, the only guy there.  

I've never been to Cali but I always get a kick out the differences that are expressed between a Calena and a Rolita.

Pablo

[lswote]

... in response to Re: Tours are a differnt story, posted by pablo on Jul 24, 2003

Yeah Pablo, I have to agree.  I never saw that many guys at LAI and as you said the camaraderie is very nice when the other guys are there.  I kind of wish I had made it to Cali once so I could have a basis for first hand comparisons.  What many of these guys post about their experience in Cali is so foreign to the experience I had in Bogotá.  But I am grateful I kept my search in Bogotá after my first experience with a Bogotá gal went bad and almost made me look elsewhere because I really love Bogotá and look forward to returning with my wife, whereas I think I would be bored with Cali based on what other guys have posted.

[HeyNow]

... in response to Re: Re: Tours are a differnt story, posted by lswote on Jul 24, 2003

During the tour some girls show up that aren't members.
You wouldn't meet these girls otherwise.  Another thing: you might meet a girl in person and hit it off well but, if the tour hadn't been going on she would not have made it to the agency (even if she is a member).  The girls like the option of going to the agency and meeting a variety of gringos and possibly meeting the one they like best (You!).