Central and South America’s travel and tourism sector is on track to grow faster than the global average this year, with international visitor spending projected to more than double the worldwide rate — a dynamic that signals significant opportunity for advisors with clients eyeing the region.
The World Travel & Tourism Council‘s 2026 Economic Impact Research forecasts regional travel and tourism GDP will grow 4.1 percent this year, outpacing the global average of 3.2 percent. International visitor spending across Central and South America is projected to climb 7.8 percent — more than double the global growth rate of 3.7 percent.
Several markets are expected to post particularly strong numbers. Ecuador leads the region with projected travel and tourism GDP growth of 11.6 percent. Bolivia is forecast to grow 10.3 percent, supported by a 25.8 percent surge in international visitor spending. Colombia is projected to record 5.7 percent growth, while Argentina is forecast at 4.9 percent. Brazil, one of the region’s largest markets, is expected to see travel and tourism GDP increase 2.1 percent alongside a 3 percent rise in international visitor spending.
In Central America, Guatemala’s travel and tourism GDP is forecast to grow 6.1 percent, with international visitor spending rising 9.3 percent. Panama is projected to grow 8.4 percent, with international visitor spending up 8.9 percent.
(Photo by PatricioHidalgoP/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images)
The WTTC attributed the region’s outperformance in part to resilient domestic demand and comparatively lower exposure to geopolitical disruption tied to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The research also highlights affordability and stable travel environments as key resilience drivers, while flagging inflationary pressures and weaker consumer sentiment as downside risks in some markets.
Globally, the WTTC forecasts travel and tourism will contribute $12 trillion to the world economy this year, accounting for 9.9 percent of global GDP and supporting 376 million jobs worldwide.
“Central and South America continues to emerge as one of the world’s most dynamic travel and tourism regions, with strong domestic demand, rising international spending, and growing traveler confidence supporting growth across many markets,” said Gloria Guevara, president and CEO of the WTTC. “Countries such as Ecuador, Bolivia, Guatemala, Panama, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, and Venezuela are demonstrating the enormous potential of the sector when supported by investment, connectivity, and long-term strategic focus. The region has a real opportunity to strengthen its global competitiveness and secure sustained long-term growth.”
Across Central and South America, the sector is forecast to support 18.5 million jobs in 2026, representing 8.3 percent of all employment in the region.
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