PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic — The Americas continue to strengthen their position as one of the world's most promising regions for travel and tourism growth. That was the key message delivered by Aran Ryan, Director of Industry Studies at HBX Group, during his presentation at MarketHub Americas 2026.

Drawing on HBX Group's global data and market intelligence, Ryan explained that international travel demand remains strong and that the Americas are expected to play a central role in the industry's expansion over the coming years.

A $3.2 Trillion Opportunity

According to Ryan, the tourism sector across the Americas represents an economic opportunity worth approximately $3.2 trillion. While North America accounts for about half of the region's tourism activity, Latin America and the Caribbean continue to gain importance in the global travel landscape.

He noted that strong consumer spending, growing demand for authentic travel experiences, and the gradual reduction of travel barriers are helping fuel this expansion.

“Consumers continue to prioritize travel and are seeking more complex, authentic, and meaningful experiences. That demand will continue to drive industry growth,” Ryan said.

Argentina Emerges as a Standout Market

One of the most notable aspects of the presentation was the recognition of Argentina as one of the region’s strongest-performing tourism markets.

Ryan identified Argentina, alongside Jamaica, as one of the most dynamic emerging markets in the Americas, with growth projections that exceed the regional average.

The country is becoming increasingly important within both regional and international travel flows, reinforcing its position as one of the most attractive tourism markets in the region.

Intra-Regional Travel Remains Strong

Ryan also highlighted that approximately 70% of international trips taken by residents of the Americas are to destinations within the continent itself, a trend expected to continue in the coming years.

This underscores the importance of air connectivity, destination cooperation, and tourism products tailored to the preferences of travelers across the Americas.

More than half of the region’s projected tourism growth is expected to come from markets within the Americas, including the United States, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Argentina.

Technology and AI Will Drive Future Growth

Ryan emphasized that technology and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly important tools for the travel industry.

The ability to analyze large volumes of data, forecast demand, and personalize travel experiences will enable destinations and travel companies to make smarter decisions and improve competitiveness.

According to HBX Group, the combination of technological innovation, artificial intelligence, and industry collaboration will be critical to capturing future growth opportunities in the global tourism marketplace.

Despite ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty, Ryan concluded that the outlook for tourism across the Americas remains highly positive, with Argentina expected to play a significant role in the region’s future expansion.