WTTC predicts that tourism spending in Guatemala will exceed pre-pandemic levels by 21% | News

Guatemala’s tourism sector is set for another year of strong growth, with international visitor spending expected to reach a GTQ of 14.9 billion (USD 1.9 billion) in 2026 – 21.4% higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to new forecasts from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

The latest WTTC Economic Impact Research (EIR) shows that international visitor spending is expected to increase 9.3% year-on-year in 2026, underscoring Guatemala’s growing appeal among international travelers.

The research also predicts that international visitor spending will continue to grow over the next decade, reaching a GTQ of 22 billion (USD 2.9 billion) by 2036.

“International visitor spending exceeding pre-pandemic levels is an important milestone for Guatemala and a clear indication of growing demand from long-haul markets,” said Harris Whitbeck, Minister of Tourism of Guatemala and Director General of INGUAT. “As we continue to strengthen air connectivity and raise awareness of Guatemala across Europe and other key international markets, we expect this momentum to continue. More travelers are looking for destinations they haven’t experienced before, and Guatemala offers something truly distinctive. From a living indigenous culture and more than 3,000 years of history to extraordinary landscapes and adventure experiences, Guatemala remains one of the most rewarding and relatively undiscovered destinations in the Americas.”

The WTTC research highlights the increasingly important role of tourism in Guatemala’s economy. By 2026, Travel and Tourism is expected to contribute 55 billion GTQ (7.2 billion USD) to the national economy, equivalent to 5.6% of GDP and 23.3% above 2019 levels.

Employment supported by the sector is expected to reach 585,600 jobs by 2026, representing 7.5% of all jobs in Guatemala and an increase of 43.9% compared to 2019. Looking further ahead, WTTC predicts that the sector will support more than 715,000 jobs by 2036.

While domestic tourism remains a key driver of growth, accounting for almost two-thirds of visitor spending, international tourism continues to play an increasingly important role in the country’s visitor economy. In 2025, international visitors accounted for 34.1% of total tourism expenditure, reflecting Guatemala’s rising profile among travelers around the world.

As international demand continues to grow, Guatemala is well positioned to attract travelers seeking immersive cultural experiences, outdoor adventure, nature, gastronomy and heritage tourism. With its combination of world-class archaeological sites, volcanic landscapes, vibrant indigenous traditions and welcoming communities, the destination continues to cement its reputation as one of the most rewarding and authentic places to visit in Latin America.

To support this momentum, Guatemala is preparing for the next phase of its tourism development through expanded air connections, new long-haul routes and investments in boutique and mid-range accommodation that reflect the character of the destination. Working closely with local communities remains central to this approach. Ensuring tourism growth creates economic opportunities while preserving the cultural and natural resources that make Guatemala unique.

For more information about Guatemala, visit visitguatemala.gt.