Bogotá names BTS ‘Guests of Honor’ as concerts are expected to generate over 40 billion won for the city

Bogotá is giving BTS an official citywide welcome as the group arrives in Colombia for its first full-group concerts in the country.

On September 30, the Bogotá city government officially designated BTS as *“Guests of Honor”* under Decree 413 of 2026. According to Colombian media, the distinction has not been given in the city for around 10 years.

The honor is awarded by the mayor of Bogotá to notable visitors whose work has contributed to areas including culture, public service, science, education, sports, or the city’s wider development.

Bogotá officials cited BTS’s global influence since their 2013 debut, including their role in expanding international interest in Korean music and culture.

Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán said, *“BTS is more than just a band. We want the people coming to the concerts and visiting Bogotá to experience the city itself.”*

He added, *“The city recognizes that BTS’s visit is also a special event for Bogotá, and we will welcome them here as Guests of Honor.”*

The concerts are also expected to bring a major economic boost to the city.

According to Bogotá’s tourism authorities, spending connected to the October 2 and 3 concerts could exceed 99 billion Colombian pesos, or approximately 40.6 billion won. That estimate includes spending on hotels, food, local transportation, shopping, and souvenirs.

Flight demand has also increased around the concert dates. Reservations for flights to Bogotá between September 30 and October 4 reportedly rose 46.6% compared with the same period last year.

Domestic flight bookings increased 59.3%, while international bookings rose 39.5%.

Around 18.4% of concert tickets were reportedly purchased from outside Colombia, roughly double the typical international share for concerts held in the city.

Bogotá is also marking BTS’s arrival by lighting City Hall and the landmark Torre Colpatria in purple.

Additional public transportation will operate after the concerts, with eight routes planned from stations near the venue to help manage the large crowds.

The Bogotá shows mark the beginning of BTS’s South American tour and the group’s first full-group performances in Colombia. After Bogotá, BTS is scheduled to continue to Lima, Santiago, Buenos Aires, and São Paulo.