Central and South America’s travel and tourism sector is projected to outperform global growth in 2026, supported by domestic travel demand, increasing international visitor spending and comparatively limited exposure to geopolitical disruption affecting other regions.
This is the forecast for the region according to new Economic Impact Research data from the World Travel & Tourism Council. Additionally, the organization forecasts travel and tourism GDP across Central and South America will increase 4.1 percent in 2026, exceeding the global average forecast of 3.2 percent. International visitor spending in the region is expected to rise 7.8 percent, compared with projected global growth of 3.7 percent.
Globally, WTTC forecasts travel and tourism will contribute $12 trillion to the world economy in 2026, representing 9.9 percent of global GDP and supporting 376 million jobs. Over the next decade, global Travel & Tourism GDP is projected to grow at an annual rate of 3.6 percent, compared with 2.4 percent for the wider global economy.
“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,” Gloria Guevara, president and CEO of WTTC, said in a statement. “The region has a real opportunity to strengthen its global competitiveness and secure sustained long-term growth.”
Resilient Demand
According to WTTC, Central and South America continue to benefit from resilient domestic travel demand and lower reliance on transit routes and source markets affected by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Several markets in the region are forecast to post notable gains in 2026. Ecuador is expected to lead regional growth with projected travel and tourism GDP growth of 11.6 percent, while Bolivia is forecast to grow 10.3 percent, supported by a 25.8 percent increase in international visitor spending. Argentina’s travel and tourism sector is projected to grow 4.9 percent while Colombia is forecast to post 5.7 percent growth.
Brazil, one of the region’s largest travel and tourism markets, is projected to see sector GDP growth of 2.1 percent in 2026, alongside a 3 percent increase in international visitor spending. WTTC also forecasts significant growth in Venezuela, where travel and tourism GDP is projected to rise 33.2 percent, with international visitor spending expected to increase 34.8 percent.
Finally, WTTC forecasts Travel & Tourism will support 18.5 million jobs across Central and South America in 2026, representing 8.3 percent of total employment in the region.