Southwest Venture to Colombia, South America

IWP Phase 1: A Venture Proposal for Southwest Airlines in Colombia, South America

Preliminary Analysis

According to the World Factbook: Colombia (n.d), Colombia is a primary Spanish speaking county located in South America. It benefits from bordering five other countries along with 3208 km of coast line. Colombia was originally part of a region that separated into three separate countries. For nearly five decades the Colombian government was under constant attack by guerrilla warfare funded by the drug cartels. In 2012 the government increased its efforts to bring the attacks under control. Colombia still offers its citizens protection of civil rights and governmental elections through a democratic process.

In recent years Colombia has opened up to free trade agreements. The countries GDP has had a steady growth of over 4% over the past three years, however, Colombia depends heavily on exporting its energy and mining which makes it more subjectable to price decreases for their commodities. Colombia is currently having issues with encouraging greater economic growth due to the poor infrastructure. The country is also exporting far more than importing which is a sign of a poor economy (they do not consume more than they need). Colombia has a migration rate of -0.65. this is in part due to the inequality, drug trafficking and poverty.

Cali, one of the largest cities in Colombia is known for high tourism and sporting events. Cali is home to multiple museums, a zoo that has become a research and development center for wildlife, the site for more than one archeological dig for pre-Colombian civilization. They have hosted the Pan American Games, are the home of two football clubs and offer bullfighting events twice a year and sponsor several marathons.

My main source of information going forward will be the internet, but if I cannot find the information needed I will seek out books and reputable peer-reviewed articles from the Kent State Library....