The Travel & Tourism sector across Central and South America is expected to outperform global growth in 2026, driven by strong domestic demand, rising international visitor spending, and lower exposure to geopolitical tensions affecting other parts of the world, according to the latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) 2026 released by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

The report, developed with the support of Chase Travel, forecasts that the region’s Travel & Tourism GDP will grow by more than 4% in 2026, surpassing the global average growth rate of 3.2%. International visitor spending across the region is projected to increase by 7.8%, more than double the expected global rate of 3.7%.

According to WTTC, Central and South America continue to demonstrate strong resilience thanks to the growth of domestic tourism and a lower dependence on markets affected by international geopolitical conflicts, particularly in the Middle East.

Among the region’s fastest-growing markets for 2026, Ecuador is expected to lead with an estimated 11.6% increase in Travel & Tourism GDP. Bolivia is also forecast to post strong results, with projected growth of 10.3%, driven largely by a 25.8% rise in international visitor spending.

Argentina’s Travel & Tourism sector is expected to grow by 4.9% in 2026, while Colombia is forecast to expand by 5.7%, reinforcing the region’s broad-based momentum.

Brazil, one of Latin America’s largest tourism markets, is projected to continue growing in 2026, with Travel & Tourism GDP increasing by more than 2% and international visitor spending rising close to 3%.

The WTTC report also highlights Venezuela, where Travel & Tourism GDP is forecast to surge by 33.2% in 2026, alongside a 34.8% increase in international visitor spending.

In Central America, Guatemala is projected to record Travel & Tourism GDP growth above 6%, supported by a 9.3% increase in international visitor spending. Panama is expected to post tourism growth of 8.4%, with international visitor spending forecast to rise 8.9%.

WTTC emphasized that continued investment in air connectivity, tourism infrastructure, workforce development, and traveler confidence will be critical to sustaining the region’s long-term growth and strengthening its global competitiveness.

The organization also warned that inflationary pressures and weaker consumer confidence remain downside risks in some markets, despite the importance of affordability and stable travel environments as key resilience factors.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, said: “Central and South America continue to emerge as one of the world’s most dynamic Travel & Tourism regions, with strong domestic demand, rising international spending, and growing traveler 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,” she added.

According to WTTC projections, the Travel & Tourism sector is expected to support 18.5 million jobs across Central and South America in 2026, representing 8.3% of total regional employment.