WTM Latin America closed with record-breaking results, a focus on responsible tourism, and confirmed its 2027 edition
The 2026 edition of the fair yielded a highly positive outcome, marked by record figures, a strong commitment to responsible tourism, and the consolidation of the event as one of the leading business platforms in the sector in the region
During the closing ceremony, Bianca Pizzolito, Event Leader of the fair, presented the results recorded up to the afternoon of April 16 —the last day of the event— and highlighted the sustained growth in the main indicators, as well as the higher rating of the participating public.
The 2026 edition brought together 35,463 professionals, representing a 10.75% increase compared to the 32,026 attendees in 2025. Beyond the volume, one of the strategic focuses was the quality of the audience: the event registered an increase of over 75% in high-value visitors, key profiles for generating business.
In that segment, the growth of travel agents was especially significant, with an increase of 115%, exceeding 18,500 professionals, the result of a sustained strategy to attract strategic profiles.
In terms of networking, the meeting platform also showed solid results: more than 9,200 meetings were held, 25% more than in the previous edition, with a participation level that exceeded 35% of individual attendees.
On the supply side, the fair reached a historic record of 936 exhibiting brands (13% more than in 2025) and had the participation of 53 countries, representing an 8% year-on-year growth and reinforcing its international positioning.
Pizzolito emphasized that the event's success is due to a collective effort: "Tourism functions like a living organism that depends on the integration of all its parts," he stated, highlighting the collaborative work between the organization, exhibitors, visitors, and institutional partners.
Among the highlights of this edition was the Ministers' Summit, which brought together representatives from eight countries to discuss sustainability, responsible and regenerative tourism, as well as the "Protagonist Agent" campaign, which included more than 20 conferences focused on the challenges and opportunities of the sales channel.
Looking ahead, the organization confirmed that the next edition of WTM Latin America will take place from April 13 to 15, 2027.
Strategic content: sustainability, integration and innovation
The final day reinforced some of the central themes that ran throughout the fair: responsible tourism, regional integration, technological innovation and the strengthening of indigenous tourism.
One of the highlights was the seminar organized by the National Confederation of Trade in Goods, Services and Tourism (CNC), under the theme "Public Policies to Strengthen Responsible Tourism." There, Aline Lopes emphasized the key role of public policies in promoting more sustainable, inclusive, and competitive tourism, underscoring the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors and representative organizations.
The panel “America for America” also gained prominence, where Veronica Pardo, former Minister of Tourism of Chile, advocated for greater regional integration. She argued that Latin America has the potential to position itself as a global tourism powerhouse if it strengthens intraregional flows and leverages its natural and cultural diversity.
In the innovation section, the "AI-First" traveler conference, led by Ricardo Souza (Lighthouse), focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on consumer habits. The expert highlighted that AI is transforming how travelers search for and make decisions, increasingly prioritizing the quality and depth of available information.
Indigenous tourism also had a significant presence, with two panels focusing on policy, international cooperation, and authentic experiences. The discussions agreed on the need to guarantee the active participation of communities in decision-making and in the development of tourism proposals that respect their territories and cultures while generating direct economic benefits.
In addition to the conference program, the event's three theaters hosted training sessions for Hosted Buyers and travel agents, along with Speed Networking sessions designed to enhance strategic connections and business opportunities.
With these results, WTM Latin America reaffirms its growth and its role as a key space to promote business, trends and debates that shape the direction of tourism in the region.
Source: WTM Latin America.