Guatemala Tourism Draws 1.6 Million Visitors in First Half of 2026
Guatemala welcomed 1,625,849 non-resident visitors in the first half of 2026, a modest 1% rise, as the government pushes toward a 3.63 million arrivals target. The post Guatemala Tourism Draws 1.6 Million Visitors in First Half of 2026 appeared first on The Rio Times .
From January to June 2026, Guatemala welcomed 1,625,849 non-resident visitors, marking a slight 1% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The tourism sector contributed US$1,390.2 million in foreign exchange to the country's economy in 2025, setting a record high. During the first half of 2026, spending by tourists reached US$523 million, up 0.86% year-over-year.
Key markets for Guatemalan tourism include Central American nations like El Salvador and the United States. However, arrivals from both countries showed a slight decline in 2026. Growth in visitor numbers from Colombia, Japan, and Russia contributed to the overall rise. In 2025, Guatemala attracted 3,361,843 non-resident visitors, an 11% increase from the previous year.
Despite the challenging target set for 2026, the modest first-half growth is seen as progress. The tourism board aims to achieve 3.63 million arrivals and generate US$1.516 billion in tourism receipts for the entire year. To reach even higher goals, such as 4 million visitors by 2027, Guatemala will need to see a significant acceleration in visitor numbers, particularly in the second half of the year.
The rise in interest from South America, Asia, and Europe offers potential solutions to the current challenges.
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