Colombia Joins Brazil, US, Mexico, Paraguay And More Countries In Achieving Remarkable Tourism Growth, Cementing Its Place As A Leading Destination In 2025

Published on December 25, 2025

In 2025, Colombia has emerged alongside Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and Paraguay as one of the top destinations experiencing an extraordinary surge in tourism, driven by an influx of international visitors during the holiday season. This remarkable growth, particularly in Cartagena, can be attributed to improved air connectivity, the growing appeal of Latin American destinations, and a strong recovery in global travel. The increased number of tourists has not only set new records for visitor arrivals but is also having a significant economic impact on these countries, boosting local industries like hospitality, transportation, and retail while showcasing their unique cultural and natural attractions to the world.

The year 2025 has proven to be a monumental year for global tourism, with several countries across both South and North America experiencing a remarkable surge in tourist arrivals. Among them, Colombia stands out, achieving a tourism boom of its own, alongside powerhouses like Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and Paraguay. These countries have set new records, with Cartagena, Colombia, leading the charge in tourism growth. Here’s an in-depth look at the tourism growth in these countries, one by one, as they become some of the most visited destinations in the world.

Colombia: A Historic Tourism Surge in Cartagena and Beyond

Colombia’s tourism industry is having a banner year, with Cartagena de Indias emerging as a focal point of this growth. The walled city of Cartagena, known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and picturesque architecture, has seen a massive influx of travelers during the Christmas and New Year period in 2025. The city broke visitor records, and officials expect over 1.6 million tourists to visit during the entire holiday season, a sharp increase from the 930,000 visitors in the previous year.

The impact of tourism is tangible, with local sectors like hospitality, transportation, and gastronomy benefiting from the surge. Rafael Nuñez International Airport saw over 700,000 passengers in December alone, surpassing its historical record. Cartagena’s tourism is also driving cruise tourism, and the city is on track to continue setting new records in 2026. However, the challenges of high visitor numbers—such as pressure on mobility and security—are prompting the local government to implement measures to ensure a positive experience for all visitors.

The growth in Colombia’s tourism sector is part of a broader regional trend, as countries like Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and Paraguay are also experiencing significant tourism booms. Colombia’s successful tourism boom further underscores the nation’s rising status as a top global destination.

Brazil: Leading South America’s Tourism Surge with Nearly 9 Million Visitors

Brazil has cemented its position as a dominant player in global tourism, with nearly 9 million international visitors expected by the end of 2025. This represents a 48% increase from previous years, fueled by an influx of tourists from Argentina, the United States, and other countries in South America. Brazil’s rich cultural offerings, diverse landscapes, and world-renowned attractions like Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Iguazu Falls continue to draw millions of travelers every year.

Key destinations such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador have all seen impressive growth in tourist numbers, and the country’s increasing appeal to eco-tourism enthusiasts has boosted visits to the Amazon and Pantanal regions. The surge in tourism is also creating positive economic impacts, with hospitality, retail, and transport sectors benefiting from increased demand.

Brazil’s government is capitalizing on this growth with investments in infrastructure, including improved airports and transport systems, to make the tourism experience smoother and more accessible for visitors. The rising number of international visitors to Brazil positions the country as a key leader in the Latin American tourism industry.

United States: A Strong Boost in Domestic and International Tourism

The United States is seeing a significant increase in both domestic and international tourism in 2025. The latest projections suggest that over 122.4 million travelers will visit the U.S. during the holiday season, marking a 2.2% increase from 2024. This growth reflects a broader trend of U.S. tourism recovery, driven in part by improved air connectivity, rising consumer confidence, and renewed interest in cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and Orlando.

While the U.S. has faced some challenges in terms of tourism management in major cities, the strong performance of regions like Florida and California shows the country’s resilience in attracting international travelers. Many cities have implemented new initiatives to boost tourism, including large-scale cultural events, improved public transportation, and collaborations with local businesses to enhance the tourist experience.

As one of the most visited destinations globally, the U.S. continues to benefit from its diverse array of attractions, from cultural landmarks and iconic cities to natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park.

Mexico: A Steady Growth in Air Arrivals, Reaching New Heights

Mexico continues to be a top destination for international tourists, with over 16.5 million air arrivals recorded by October 2025. The country has experienced steady growth in its tourism sector, with key markets such as the United States and Canada contributing to the rise in visitor numbers. Mexico’s beaches, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities like Mexico City, Cancun, and Guadalajara continue to attract millions of visitors every year.

In addition to the well-established tourist destinations, Mexico has also seen growth in smaller regions, particularly in areas that promote cultural tourism, eco-tourism, and adventure travel. The Yucatán Peninsula, for example, is becoming increasingly popular for travelers seeking Mayan archaeological sites, eco-lodges, and wildlife tours.

As Mexico continues to experience growth in international tourism, the country’s authorities are focused on maintaining sustainable tourism practices and ensuring that the growth benefits local communities while preserving the country’s rich cultural and natural resources.

Paraguay: A Standout Growth Story in 2025

In 2025, Paraguay has experienced the highest tourism growth rate globally, with a stunning 53% increase in visitor numbers during the first quarter. By September 2025, Paraguay welcomed over 2.25 million visitors, a remarkable feat for a country that traditionally has not been a major tourist hub. This growth can be attributed to improved air connectivity, the country’s expanding cultural tourism offerings, and an increasing interest in eco-tourism and adventure travel.

As the country positions itself as a new tourist destination in South America, Paraguay is focusing on its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural festivals. The capital, Asunción, is also seeing increased tourism interest due to its emerging role as a business and cultural center.

The country’s rising status as a tourism destination is expected to continue, with projections indicating that Paraguay could maintain its rapid growth into 2026. The government is working to build on this momentum by investing in infrastructure, promoting regional tourism, and strengthening marketing efforts to showcase Paraguay’s attractions to a global audience.

Chile: A 32% Surge in International Visitors and Rising Appeal

Chile has also seen impressive growth in its tourism sector in 2025, with a 32.6% increase in international visitors compared to the previous year. By mid-2025, the country had already recorded over 3.1 million visitors, with Argentina and Brazil serving as the largest sources of incoming travelers. Chile’s diverse landscapes, including the Atacama Desert, Patagonia, and the Andes Mountains, make it a popular destination for adventure tourism and nature enthusiasts.

In addition to traditional tourist offerings, Chile is gaining popularity as a wine tourism destination, with its famed vineyards attracting food and wine lovers from around the world. Santiago, Valparaíso, and the Lake District have also become increasingly popular with tourists seeking urban culture, coastal views, and outdoor adventures.

Chile’s tourism sector is benefiting from strategic investments in marketing and infrastructure, and the country is poised to continue its strong growth in the coming years as it becomes a more prominent player in South American tourism.

A Booming Trend Across the Americas: Key Takeaways

The tourism growth seen in 2025 across Colombia, Brazil, the United States, Mexico, Paraguay, and Chile demonstrates a larger trend of increasing travel across both North and South America. Countries are capitalizing on this influx of tourists by improving infrastructure, promoting sustainable tourism practices, and investing in cultural and adventure offerings to appeal to a broad range of visitors.

While Colombia leads the way in recent success, Brazil, the U.S., Mexico, Paraguay, and Chile are also experiencing significant tourism surges, benefiting from a combination of economic recovery, better flight connectivity, and an increasing global desire for immersive, cultural travel experiences. This dynamic shift in global tourism is shaping the future of the industry, as nations across the Americas embrace the potential economic, cultural, and social impacts of welcoming more international visitors.

In 2025, Colombia, alongside Brazil, the US, Mexico, and Paraguay, has seen an extraordinary rise in tourism, driven by improved connectivity, post-pandemic travel recovery, and the growing appeal of Latin American destinations. This surge has led to record-breaking visitor numbers and significant economic benefits across the region.

As these countries work to maintain sustainable growth and ensure a positive experience for both visitors and residents, 2025 is poised to be a landmark year in tourism history, with the Americas leading the charge in this exciting new era of global travel.