Tourism growth in Central and South America drives direct flight demand
Tourism in Central and South America experienced growth in 2025, according to the UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer. South America saw a 7% year-on-year increase, while Central America grew by 5%.
Brazil emerged as a major destination with a 37% increase in visitors, totaling approximately 9.3 million international tourists. Guyana also saw significant growth with a 24% uptick in visitors.
While many travelers reach these regions via the United States, direct flight options remain available from Europe. Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport serves as the primary hub for these connections, utilized by airlines such as Iberia, Air Europa, and LATAM.
Major European cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Lisbon maintain direct links to key Brazilian hubs, including São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, through various carriers including Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways, Air France, and TAP Portugal.
Entities
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport · Brazil · Guyana · LATAM · UN Tourism
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Central America saw a 5% increase in tourism in 2025 compared to the previous year. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Guyana saw a 24% increase in visitors. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Brazil experienced a 37% increase in visitors. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Brazil hosted approximately 9.3 million international tourists in 2025. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport is the best-connected hub for direct flights between Europe and Central/South America. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] South America saw a 7% increase in tourism in 2025 compared to the previous year. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com