TPA celebrates nonstop service to Bogota with Avianca

Tampa International Airport and new airline partner Avianca celebrated the launch of nonstop service from TPA to Bogota on Monday with an inaugural event that featured cake, a ribbon cutting, live entertainment and more.

This route, which began on March 30, marks the first regularly scheduled nonstop flight TPA has offered to South America and the first to a new continent in nearly 50 years.

Bogota has been one of the Airport's most-requested and top-targeted international destinations for years. More than 36,000 Colombian-born people reside in the Tampa Bay region. With this new route, travelers now have nonstop access to Colombia's capital and largest city four days a week.

The celebratory event included empanadas, live entertainment provided by Carnaval de Barranquilla Tampa, a ribbon cutting and a fabulous custom cake.

"Tampa International Airport has achieved a major milestone in connecting Tampa Bay to Bogota," TPA CEO Joe Lopano said. "With new airline partner Avianca, TPA now has nonstop flights to South America for the very first time, giving our residents unparalleled access to Colombia and beyond. I'm grateful to Avianca, as well as the efforts of our community partners throughout Tampa Bay, for helping us make this longtime goal a reality."

Service to Bogota's El Dorado International Airport (BOG) is aboard an Airbus A320neo aircraft, featuring 180 total seats with 12 designated as premium and 168 in economy.

For travelers looking to venture beyond Bogota, Avianca's service provides more than 20 connecting options throughout Colombia and South America.

Tickets are on sale on Avianca's website: https://www.avianca.com/en/.

Business and tourism leaders across Tampa Bay celebrated the new route, which was a sought-after goal for many. Here's what they are saying:

Santiago Corrada, President & CEO Visit Tampa Bay:

"Avianca's new partnership with America's best airport, Tampa International Airport, sends a clear signal that Tampa Bay is a top-tier choice for discerning visitors from Colombia and around the globe," said Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. "This direct flight from Bogota connects Colombians to the tantalizing tastes, luxurious accommodations, electrifying attractions, and rich and diverse culture that make Tampa Bay and its treasures a 'must' for travelers ready to experience the extraordinary."

Also provided in Spanish:

"La nueva asociación de Avianca con el mejor aeropuerto de América, el Aeropuerto Internacional de Tampa, envía una señal clara de que Tampa Bay es una opción de primer nivel para los visitantes de Colombia y de todo el mundo", dijo Santiago C. Corrada, Presidente y Director Ejecutivo de Visit Tampa Bay. "Este vuelo directo desde Bogotá conectará a los colombianos con los tentadores sabores, lujosos alojamientos, atracciones y la rica y diversa cultura que hacen que Tampa Bay y sus tesoros sean 'imperdibles' para los viajeros listos para vivir lo extraordinario."

Brian Lowack, President & CEO of Visit St. Pete Clearwater:

St Pete-Clearwater is thrilled to welcome Colombian travelers to explore the many hidden gems at America's Best Beaches - from our world-class art and museums to our elevated coastal culinary scene, endless outdoor activities, and amazing local shops. With the flight originating out of one of the most highly trafficked airports in South America, the Avianca network provides a variety of connections across the continent to take advantage of this non-stop trip. We see immense potential in Latin America and have increased our investment and promotion in Mexico, Brazil and now Colombia to welcome both leisure and business travelers to our destination."

Bob Rohrlack, President & CEO of the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce:

"This new route to Colombia is a significant victory for the Tampa Bay region. We are encouraged by this addition at Tampa International Airport, knowing this flight will strengthen our business connections with South America."

Chris Steinocher, President & CEO of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce:

"It's fantastic news that we are adding an international destination that provides numerous connections throughout Colombia and South America. Local businesses stand to benefit greatly from the opportunities this flight to Avianca's Bogota hub offers."

Dr. Cynthia Johnson, Chairwoman of Global Tampa Bay:

"This new flight is a win for business owners throughout Tampa Bay, particularly in Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. Global Tampa Bay has been working to foster and strengthen business relationships with Bogota since 2017 through trade missions and collaborative opportunities with our tri-county region. Now, thanks to Tampa International Airport and Avianca, chances to enhance global trade and explore new investment opportunities in Colombia and South America are greater than ever before. We are excited to welcome Avianca to our region and we fully support this partnership."

Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia

The launch of Avianca's Tampa-Bogotá route strengthens the bridge between Colombia and the United States, fostering deeper business, tourism, and cultural ties. With record-breaking tourism growth and expanding connectivity, this new route is more than just a flight, it's an invitation for Florida's west coast to discover Colombia, The Country of Beauty", said Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia, the country's promotion agency.

Also provided in Spanish:

"El lanzamiento de la ruta Tampa-Bogotá de Avianca fortalece el puente entre Colombia y Estados Unidos, impulsando lazos más sólidos en negocios, turismo e intercambios culturales. Con un crecimiento turístico sin precedentes y una conectividad en expansión, esta nueva ruta es una invitación para los residentes de la costa oeste de la Florida a descubrir Colombia, El País de la Belleza", dijo Carmen Caballero, presidenta de ProColombia, la agencia de promoción del país.