A report by Spanish multinational technology Amadeus in collaboration with UN Tourism has revealed continued growth in demand for travel to destinations across the Americas, despite economic and geopolitical challenges.

According to data from Navigator360, a comprehensive collection of hotel and air data by Amadeus, North America continues to be the most popular and searched for destination in the region, seeing 13 pc growth in September to December compared to the same period last year. 

The statement adds that Central America has seen similar growth of 12 pc as travellers look for sun.

The third report in the series, Travel Insights: Focus on Americas, September to December 2024, highlights the top travel trends for the region and is designed to support national tourism administrations (NTAs) and national tourism organisations (NTOs), destination management organisations (DMOs) and private sector companies to drive tourism in their regions.

Key areas of growth across the subregions

UN Tourism had partnered with its affiliate member Amadeus to provide key insights on travel trends to the Americas. According to the report, the top 10 most searched destinations remain the same as in 2023 with the US, Canada and Mexico topping the list. 

UN Tourism says that demand for beach destinations over the holiday season continues to trend as searches for Mexico stand out with 19 pc growth for the period analysed. The highest growth rate in destinations was seen by Chile with 29 pc, followed by Colombia with 27 pc and Peru with 24 pc. The report reveals some insights into the subregions for the final four months of the year:

North America: Travellers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Brazil provide the top search volumes for the region with New York City as the top searched-for destination.  

Central America: Costa Rica and Panama remain at the top of the list for traveller interest. El Salvador has seen significant 25 pc growth.

Caribbean: Puerto Rico has risen to be the second most searched destination, behind the Dominican Republic. Curaçao has seen the highest growth as demand from South American travellers continues to rise.

South America: Traveller interest remains strong with Brazil as the top destination and Florianópolis topping the list of cities with the highest growth in travellers’ interest from 2023.

The statement adds that a noteworthy trend can be seen in the resurgence of Chinese travellers, largely due to the improved air connectivity and the easing of travel restrictions. 

Zurab Pololikashvili

When looking at North America, China is in the top 30 origin markets based on search volume, with a 53 pc growth in travellers  searching for trips to the Americas compared to 2023. Japan saw a similar significant growth rate of 40 pc.

“UN Tourism is pleased to once again partner with our Affiliate Member Amadeus to provide key insights on travel trends to the Americas. The data on searches and bookings provides an essential tool for all stakeholders in the region and enhances data-driven sound strategies for tourism,” says Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UN Tourism.

“I am optimistic to see the continued demand for travel in the Americas region. This third Americas report in partnership with UN Tourism has continued to show the role and impact of data insights to help destinations promote and target the right travellers.  Having transparency on where people are searching to travel gives destinations the power to launch campaigns to capitalise on this interest,” says Francisco Pérez-Lozao Rüter, President, Hospitality, Amadeus.