Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and Chile Unite to Dominate Global Tourism as Tourists from Latin America Travelling to US, Canada, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Egypt, Thailand, Japan

Published on December 12, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

In an unprecedented wave of travel, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and Chile unite to dominate global tourism, setting new trends that are reshaping the travel industry. Tourists from these Latin American countries are now exploring destinations worldwide, with the United States, Canada, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Egypt, Thailand, and Japan emerging as top choices. The growing affluence of Latin American travelers, combined with the increasing desire for new cultural experiences, has sparked a tourism boom that is expected to disrupt traditional patterns.

As Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and Chile unite to take charge of global tourism, Latin American travelers are flocking to destinations across the globe. From the cosmopolitan cities of Europe to the serene landscapes of Asia and North America, this surge reflects the expanding travel ambitions of a region that’s now more connected and digitally savvy than ever.

This travel revolution is not just a passing trend; it is a game-changer. Latin American tourists are increasingly seeking luxury, culture, and sustainability, and their impact is being felt in the US, Canada, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Egypt, Thailand, and Japan. These countries are now seeing record arrivals as Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and Chile unite to fuel a tourism explosion that is likely to define the next decade of travel. Don’t miss out on the full story as we delve deeper into this groundbreaking shift in the global tourism landscape.

Latin American Tourists Are Revolutionizing Global Travel

The world of travel is changing, and Latin American tourists are at the forefront of this transformation. In 2024 and 2025, countries across the globe are experiencing an influx of visitors from Latin America, marking a new era in global tourism. With growing economic power, increased connectivity, and a thirst for new cultural experiences, Latin American tourists are reshaping travel trends and dominating some of the world’s most iconic destinations. From the United States to Spain, Brazil, Mexico, and beyond, let’s explore the countries that are seeing massive tourist traffic from Latin America and what this surge means for the future of tourism.

Latin American Tourists: A Growing Force in Global Tourism

The global tourism industry is witnessing a significant shift, with Latin American tourists playing a more prominent role than ever before. As 2024 and 2025 unfold, statistics show that the growth of Latin American travel is accelerating, contributing to a record number of global arrivals. According to UN Tourism Barometer data, Latin Americans are among the fastest-growing demographic in international travel. Countries like Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia are producing a steady stream of tourists eager to explore the world. This surge is not just a local phenomenon – it’s a global one, influencing not only the U.S., Spain, and France, but also emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East.

United States: The Undisputed Leader for Latin American Tourists

The United States remains the dominant destination for Latin American tourists in 2024 and 2025. From the iconic attractions of New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, to Disneyland, Las Vegas, and Orlando, the U.S. continues to capture the hearts of millions of Latin American travelers. With direct flights and cultural connections that make travel seamless, Latin American visitors are flocking to the U.S. for everything from business and education to leisure and family visits.

In fact, Latin American tourists account for over 10 million arrivals to the U.S. each year, a number expected to increase in 2025. Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil are the top contributors, as these nations’ middle classes continue to grow and gain access to international travel opportunities. The U.S.’s strong economic recovery and tourism infrastructure make it a top destination that remains hard to beat.

Spain: A Top European Destination for Latin Americans

Spain is another major player in the international tourism game, attracting a growing number of Latin American tourists. With its shared language and rich cultural heritage, Spain is an irresistible destination for travelers from countries like Argentina, Mexico, and Chile. In 2024, Spain saw a record-breaking number of Latin American visitors, with cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville drawing in tourists looking for history, culture, and vibrant nightlife.

The Spanish language is a key reason why Latin Americans feel at home in Spain, whether they’re exploring historical sites such as the Alhambra or enjoying the bustling streets of Madrid. Latin American visitors are particularly attracted to Spain’s art and gastronomy, making it a perfect blend of cultural exchange and leisure tourism. Spain is expected to remain one of the top European destinations for Latin Americans in 2025, with a steady stream of visitors from Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina.

Brazil and Mexico Lead Regional Travel for Latin American Tourists

Regional travel within Latin America has also seen a significant uptick, with Brazil and Mexico leading the charge. As the largest economies in the region, these countries are sending tourists not only to other Latin American nations but also to North America, Europe, and Asia.

In Brazil, a significant number of outbound tourists travel to the U.S., Argentina, and Portugal. For Mexican travelers, destinations like Spain, the U.S., and Central America are top choices. Argentina and Chile remain major regional destinations, with Peru also seeing significant numbers of Argentine tourists.

The trend of regional travel is amplified by strong economic ties, easy visa access, and shared languages. Brazilian tourists in particular are flocking to Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina to enjoy beaches, cultural experiences, and adventure tourism. Likewise, Mexican tourists are taking short-haul trips to the U.S., Guatemala, and the Caribbean.

Europe and Beyond: Emerging Destinations for Latin American Tourists

While the U.S. and Spain remain top choices, Latin American tourists are venturing further afield in 2024 and 2025. New and emerging destinations like Thailand, Japan, and Dubai are increasingly becoming popular. The appeal of these destinations lies in their unique cultures, luxury offerings, and adventure tourism.

For example, Japan is drawing Latin American tourists with its blend of tradition and modernity, attracting travelers eager to explore Kyoto’s temples, Tokyo’s neon lights, and Mount Fuji. Thailand, with its beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, and rich cultural heritage, has been attracting more visitors from Latin America, especially younger travelers. The allure of Dubai’s shopping malls, iconic skyline, and luxury tourism has also led to a rise in Latin American arrivals.

Latin American Tourists: The Powerful New Force in Global Tourism

In a world that’s constantly evolving, Latin American travelers are shaking up the global tourism landscape like never before. With 2026 on the horizon, travel trends are shifting rapidly, and these travelers are at the helm of this transformation. According to a new study by MMGY, Latin Americans are using digital tools, prioritising safety, and placing greater emphasis on service quality than ever before. This new era in global tourism is bringing fresh challenges and enormous opportunities for airlines, hospitality providers, and destinations across the world.

The MMGY Study: A Deep Dive into Latin American Travel Trends

The MMGY study surveyed over 3,700 travelers across Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, and Peru, revealing powerful insights into the travel habits and preferences of Latin American tourists. These findings are not only reshaping how the industry approaches marketing and customer engagement, but they also provide an invaluable roadmap for future growth in the tourism sector.

How Latin American Tourists Are Changing the Game
This portrait of Latin American international travelers shows a diverse range of behaviors, each country demonstrating unique travel traits. Whether it’s Brazilian explorers embracing eco-tourism, Mexicans splurging on premium flights, or Argentinians making last-minute dining decisions, these insights are invaluable for global tourism players. The study uncovers how digital innovation, safety standards, and spending patterns are shaping the future of travel.

Diverse Travel Behaviors: Tailoring Strategies for Latin American Markets

Travel frequency and spending patterns vary widely across Latin America. For example, Peruvians, Mexicans, and Brazilians are expected to take more than 2.5 international trips per year, while Argentinians plan for slightly fewer, around 2 trips annually. But what’s most eye-catching are the spending habits: Brazilians and Mexicans are at the top of the list, anticipating annual expenditures of $5,252 and $5,522, respectively. These figures illustrate a key point — Latin American tourists are willing to invest significantly in their travel experiences, but the spending preferences vary based on country-specific expectations.

Why Understanding These Differences Matters
Global tourism providers must adopt a tailored approach to meet the unique needs of Latin American tourists. A one-size-fits-all strategy won’t cut it. Understanding these market differences is key to creating personalised offers, from flights to hotel packages, and designing travel experiences that cater to the specific desires of each country.

Safety-First: The New Priority for Latin American Tourists

When it comes to travel decisions, Latin American travelers are prioritising safety above all else. For instance, a striking 35% of Brazilian tourists consider health and safety the most influential factor when choosing destinations or airlines. This safety-first mentality is driving changes in how the industry operates, with airline choices being heavily influenced by safety records and customer service reputation rather than simply price.

Safety: The Key to Winning Over Latin American Travelers
This trend suggests that airlines and destinations must focus on reassuring Latin American tourists about health protocols, security measures, and service standards. As safety concerns become a central part of the booking decision-making process, tourism providers must emphasise their commitment to health and well-being through marketing messages, traveller communications, and customer service.

Digital Engagement: Latin Americans Are Leading the Charge in Online Travel

The digital landscape is where Latin American travelers are truly transforming the tourism industry. Countries like Brazil and Colombia are at the forefront of digital engagement, with Gen Z travelers driving most of the online activity. Whether it’s using AI tools to research flights or destinations, or checking social media for the latest travel tips, digital tools are playing a pivotal role in how Latin Americans plan their journeys.

A Shift in Travel Planning
According to the study, one-third of Boomers in Latin America now use AI to help them research flights or destinations, a trend that will only grow as digital tools become more integrated into the travel planning process. This highlights the growing importance of social media and AI-driven platforms as essential tools for tourism marketing in Latin America. Travel brands need to harness these technologies to build relationships with tech-savvy travelers and create seamless experiences from start to finish.

Booking Patterns: Latin Americans Plan Ahead, but Make Last-Minute Dining Decisions

Booking patterns in Latin America reveal intriguing behaviors that travel providers need to understand. Latin American travelers typically book flights and accommodation three to six months in advance, a trend that showcases their proactive planning. However, decisions regarding dining and activities tend to be made on the fly. For instance, 51% of Argentine travelers make culinary decisions during their trips. This provides a valuable opportunity for restaurants, tour operators, and local businesses to target last-minute planners through digital ads and time-sensitive offers.

Opportunities for Last-Minute Marketing
Travel and hospitality brands should take note of this last-minute decision-making. With mobile apps and targeted promotions, local businesses can offer enticing deals on restaurants, activities, and excursions as Latin Americans finalize their travel plans, enhancing the visitor experience and boosting revenue.

Sustainability: A Growing Priority for Latin American Tourists

While sustainability is a global trend, Latin American tourists are particularly interested in making eco-conscious travel choices. 68% of Brazilian travelers consider sustainability when choosing their travel options. Mexico follows closely with 62%, while Argentina lags behind with just 38%. The study found that Brazilians are especially willing to pay more for sustainable options, with higher-income travelers across all markets leading the charge.

Sustainability Efforts Must Be Tailored to Local Markets
These insights reveal the importance of customised sustainability efforts for each market. While Brazilian tourists are highly receptive to eco-friendly practices, Argentina and Mexico may require different approaches. The travel industry must adapt its sustainability initiatives to meet the expectations of travelers in each region, from promoting green hotels to sustainable tours.

Latin Americans Seeking Unique Travel Experiences in 2025

The trend of experiential travel is booming, with Latin Americans seeking destinations that offer more than just beach resorts and city breaks. Eco-tourism is on the rise, with Costa Rica, Peru, and Colombia leading the charge in sustainable travel. For those looking for adventure, Chile’s Patagonia, Costa Rica’s rainforests, and Argentina’s Andes mountains are among the top destinations offering unique travel experiences.

Additionally, there is a growing interest in cultural tourism, with Latin American travelers seeking to learn about the local traditions, culinary experiences, and historical landmarks of countries like Japan, India, and Italy.

The Future of Latin American Tourism: What’s Next in 2025?

Looking ahead to 2025, the future of Latin American tourism appears even more promising. With growing disposable income, airline connectivity, and an increased appetite for international travel, Latin Americans are expected to continue exploring new horizons. Countries like Japan, Thailand, and South Africa are poised to see significant growth in Latin American arrivals, while Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina will maintain their strong position in the regional travel market.

Moreover, the rise of affordable travel options, such as budget airlines and all-inclusive travel packages, will make long-haul travel more accessible for the average Latin American traveler, paving the way for even more global tourism growth in the coming years.

In conclusion, Latin American tourists are undeniably shaping global tourism trends in 2024 and 2025. With Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and Chile leading the charge, travelers from these regions are seeking new experiences across the globe, from the United States to Spain and beyond. As revealed by the UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer, the global tourism industry has seen substantial growth, with international tourist arrivals soaring by 5% in 2025 alone.

The unique travel behaviors of Latin American travelers—from spending patterns to safety-first priorities—demand that tourism providers rethink their strategies. Countries like Spain are experiencing an influx of visitors, particularly from Brazil, as evidenced by the Spanish Ministry of Tourism’s record-breaking statistics. In Japan, Brazilian and Mexican tourists are also leading the way, with the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) confirming a steady increase in Latin American arrivals.

Furthermore, Portugal, a popular destination for Latin Americans, is benefiting from this surge, with Statistics Portugal reporting millions of international tourists in 2024. As Latin American tourists continue to grow as a powerful force, countries like Mexico and Argentina will contribute even further to this global tourism movement, backed by findings from the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO).

In essence, success in global tourism in 2025 hinges on understanding and embracing the evolving needs of Latin American travelers—with safety, digital engagement, and tailored experiences at the forefront of this transformation.