Central and South America’s travel and tourism sector is forecast to outperform the global average in 2026, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
The council’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) reveals that the region’s travel and tourism sector is forecast to grow 4.1 per cent in 2026, ahead of the global average of 3.2 per cent.
International visitor spending across the region is expected to rise 7.8 per cent – more than double the global average growth rate of 3.7 per cent.
According to the research, a combination of strong domestic demand, rising international visitor spending and lower exposure to geopolitical disruption is driving the momentum.
This momentum is particularly strong in Venezuela, where travel and tourism GDP is projected to increase by 33.2 per cent in 2026, supported by a 34.8 per cent increase in international visitor spending.
Ecuador is expected to benefit from a GDP growth of 11.6 per cent, while Bolivia is forecast to see a GDP growth of 10.3 per cent.
Brazil, one of the region’s largest markets, will continue to grow with GDP increasing by 2.1 per cent and visitor spending by three per cent.
Dynamic destinations
President and CEO of WTTC Gloria Guevara said that the region is showing enormous global potential.
“Central and South America continues to emerge as one of the world’s most dynamic Travel & Tourism regions, with strong domestic demand, rising international spending, and growing traveller confidence supporting growth across many markets.
“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,” said Guevara.
Travel and tourism is also forecast to support 18.5 million jobs across Central and South America in 2026, representing 8.3 per cent of all jobs in the region.
Globally, the WTTC forecasts travel and tourism will contribute $12TN to the world economy in 2026, accounting for 9.9 per cent of global GDP and supporting 376 million jobs worldwide.
