South America drives tourism growth and cooperation in 2026

Paraguay recorded a 46% rise in international tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2026, generating an estimated US$137 million in foreign‑exchange earnings in January alone. The surge placed the country among the region’s fastest‑growing destinations, according to data from UNWTO and the Paraguayan National Tourism Secretariat.

Chile’s Tourism Ministry and the National Tourism Service (Sernatur) convened a public‑private advisory council to set a 2030 target of raising tourism’s contribution to GDP from 3% to 4%, creating more than 100 000 jobs and quadrupling tourism‑related investment compared with 2025. The council outlined strategies such as expanding air connectivity, reducing seasonality and focusing on high‑spending visitors.

In Argentina’s Jujuy province, the “Nexo Jujuy 2026” forum brought together university researchers, provincial science agencies and private‑sector representatives to discuss energy transition, cultural heritage, tourism, open innovation and bio‑economy, aiming to shape future regional policies.

Argentina’s tourism secretary, Daniel Scioli, outlined an agenda to deepen the Brazilian market, which accounts for one‑quarter of foreign visitors. Measures include streamlined border procedures under the open‑skies policy, targeted promotions in Brazilian regions and coordinated workshops with tour operators.

Paraguay and Brazil jointly hosted “Turismo Connect 2026”, emphasizing tourism governance, regional cooperation and the development of MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) tourism at the triple‑border area. Organisers highlighted the potential of coordinated public‑private policies to attract international events and boost local hospitality, transport and commerce sectors.