The meetings industry resists geopolitical uncertainty
A view on the latest trends from IMEX America media partner Grupo PUNTO MICE
The meetings industry continues to demonstrate resilience amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, showing steady—if moderate—growth and opening new opportunities for destinations across Latin America.
“Even in an unstable world—or perhaps because of it—organizations feel the need to come together to share knowledge, learn and collaborate,” says Neil Brownlee, Director of VisitScotland Business Events.
According to GBTA’s Business Travel Index Outlook 2025, corporate travel spending—including attendance at meetings, events and conventions—is projected to reach a record $1.57 trillion this year. While this marks a 6% year-on-year increase, it’s a more measured pace than the previously forecasted 10.4%.
Relocation of meetings and events operations
Armed conflicts, trade tensions and travel policies—such as those introduced by the US government—are contributing to a climate of economic uncertainty. Rising costs and potential visa complications are prompting many companies to delay event confirmations or even consider cancellations or relocations.
In GBTA’s latest global survey of more than 900 professionals, 18% reported canceling meetings and events operations in the United States, while 13% had moved them to another country.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts confirms this shift. According to Alejandra Herrera, Director of Global Account Sales for LATAM and the Caribbean, 50% of organizers have canceled or rescheduled events at their US properities. “This situation has opened up opportunities for several countries in Latin America,” she adds.
Destinations across Latin America are positioning themselves as safe, viable alternatives for international meetings. As a result, 32% of GBTA survey respondents in the region say they feel optimistic or very optimistic about the sector’s future.
“Messages matter,” says Carlos Martínez Velázquez, Director General of the Mexico City Tourism Promotion Fund. The city presents itself as a “democratic, progressive and multicultural” destination, an approach that resonates with many organizers. Mexico saw a 25% increase in both leisure and meetings and events business in the first quarter of the year.
Meanwhile, rising costs are creating opportunities for destinations that promote themselves as more accessible and competitive. According to María Clara Faciolince, Executive Director, Cartagena de Indias Convention & Visitors Bureau, “Colombia's open and welcoming immigration policy is a competitive advantage for attracting groups from Latin America and Europe.”
Read more about this and other meetings and events industry trends on
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