Guatemala’s tourism sector is set for another year of strong growth, according to new forecasts from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), with international visitor spending expected to reach GTQ 14.9 billion (USD 1.9 billion) in 2026 – 21.4% higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
The latest WTTC Economic Impact Research (EIR) reveals that international visitor spending is forecast to increase by 9.3% year-on-year in 2026, highlighting Guatemala’s growing appeal among international travellers.
The research also projects that international visitor spending will continue to grow over the next decade, reaching GTQ 22 billion (USD 2.9 billion) by 2036.
“International visitor spending exceeding pre-pandemic levels is a significant milestone for Guatemala and a clear indication of growing demand from long-haul markets” said Harris Whitbeck, Tourism Minister of Guatemala and Director-General of INGUAT. “As we continue to strengthen air connectivity and build awareness of Guatemala across Europe and other key international markets, we expect this momentum to continue. More travellers are looking for destinations they haven’t experienced before, and Guatemala offers something genuinely 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 tourism’s increasingly important role in Guatemala’s economy. In 2026, Travel & Tourism is expected to contribute GTQ 55 billion (USD 7.2 billion) to the national economy, equivalent to 5.6% of GDP and 23.3% above 2019 levels.
Employment supported by the sector is forecast to reach 585,600 jobs in 2026, representing 7.5% of all jobs in Guatemala and an increase of 43.9% compared to 2019. Looking further ahead, WTTC forecasts the sector will support more than 715,000 jobs by 2036.
While domestic tourism remains a key driver of growth, accounting for nearly 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 spending, reflecting Guatemala’s rising profile among global travellers.
As international demand continues to grow, Guatemala is well positioned to attract travellers 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 strengthen its reputation as one of Latin America’s most rewarding and authentic places to visit.
To support this momentum, Guatemala is preparing for the next phase of its tourism development through expanded air connectivity, new long-haul route opportunities and investment in boutique and mid-sized accommodation that reflects 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 assets that make Guatemala unique.
For more information about Guatemala, go to visitguatemala.gt.