Overview
- WTTC released its 2026 Economic Impact Research in May 2026 projecting Travel & Tourism GDP in Central and South America will grow 4.1% this year versus a 3.2% global average and forecasting international visitor spending to rise 7.8%.
- Several individual markets show sharp gains with Ecuador forecast at 11.6% T&T GDP growth, Bolivia at 10.3% supported by a 25.8% jump in spending, and Venezuela showing very large percentage increases on a small base.
- WTTC also reports Mexico led North America in 2025 on T&T GDP, arrivals and visitor spending and says the 2026 FIFA World Cup should boost Travel & Tourism across North America next year.
- The council projects Travel & Tourism will contribute about $12 trillion to the global economy in 2026 and support 376 million jobs worldwide, with the Americas expected to account for millions of those roles.
- WTTC warns forecasts assume current economic and geopolitical conditions and identifies inflation, weaker consumer sentiment, and the need for continued investment in aviation, infrastructure, workforce and affordability as key risks and levers for turning short-term event gains into lasting growth.