The travel and tourism sector in Central and South America anticipates an advance above the world average in 2026. This momentum will be supported by the strength of domestic demand, the increase in spending by foreign tourists, and lower vulnerability to geopolitical tensions that are hindering other areas of the planet, according to projections from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
The organization's latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) estimates that the region's combined tourism GDP will expand by 4.1% next year, clearly above the 3.2% anticipated as a global average. In parallel, international visitor spending will rebound by 7.8%, more than double the 3.7% forecast on a global scale.
The WTTC emphasizes that Central and South American countries continue to capitalize on strong domestic travel pull and relatively limited exposure to the consequences of the conflict in the Middle East, given the region's low reliance on transit routes and the most affected source markets.
Countries that will lead growth in 2026
Among the economies with the best forecasts for 2026 in these areas, Ecuador stands out, which will lead the regional advance with an 11.6% increase in tourism GDP.
Following Ecuador are Bolivia, with a 10.3% rise and a notable 25.8% increase in international spending; Panama, with a 8.4% increase; Guatemala, with 6.1%; Colombia, with 5.7%; and Argentina, with 4.9%.
Brazil, one of the most relevant destinations in the region, will register more moderate growth of 2.1%, while spending by tourists from abroad will advance by 3%.
Venezuela, the biggest tourism rebound
Venezuela will be the market that records the most intense jump in the entire region, with an estimated increase of 33.2% in tourism GDP and 34.8% in international spending.
The President and CEO of the WTTC, Gloria Guevara, has indicated that Central and South America continues to establish itself as one of the most dynamic tourism regions in the world thanks to the "combination of strong domestic demand, increased international spending, and greater traveler confidence."
Furthermore, she stressed that countries such as Ecuador, Bolivia, Guatemala, Panama, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, and Venezuela demonstrate the potential of tourism when it has investment, good connectivity, and long-term development strategies.
The WTTC also emphasizes that strengthening connectivity, tourism infrastructure, workforce training, and improving the traveler experience will be decisive in sustaining the region's expansion pace and competitiveness. However, the organization warns that inflationary pressures and weakening consumer confidence continue to be risk areas for certain markets.
Global Impact and Employment in the Region
Globally, the WTTC projects that the travel and tourism industry will contribute $12 trillion to the economy in 2026, equivalent to 9.9% of global GDP, and will support 376 million jobs. In Central and South America, tourism activity will sustain 18.5 million jobs, representing 8.3% of the region's total employment.