Central America tourism events drive regional growth in 2026

Guatemala officially launched the 2026 Centroamérica Travel Market (CATM), the principal trade fair for tourism promotion in the region. The three‑day event in Guatemala will gather international buyers, media, officials and operators to showcase the region’s expanded visitor numbers – rising from about 5.5 million in 2004 to over 30.6 million today – and includes a conference on tourism innovation and digital transformation.

El Salvador concluded its first International Congress of Religious Tourism, “Tierra de Fe Viva 2026”, held at the National Library. Over three days, specialists discussed heritage management, historic‑site revitalisation and the economic potential of cultural tourism. Speakers included Colombia’s mayor Fabián Rojas, who presented the successful Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá project. The congress positioned El Salvador as a host for international tourism dialogue and aimed to generate new opportunities for local communities.