Hotel bookings for Argentina have fallen by 50% in the immediate aftermath of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with data from booking platform HotelPlanner.com suggesting a potential travel boycott. The drop occurred between the final whistle on Sunday, July 19, and Tuesday, July 21, compared to the year-to-date average and the days preceding the match.
Tim Hentschel, co-founder and CEO of HotelPlanner.com, stated that while tournaments can boost bookings for some nations, they can also have the opposite effect, as seen with Argentina. He noted that the relationship between English fans and Argentina was already strained following incidents of player and fan aggravation after the semi-final defeat and "political gestures by the Argentinian players."
Following the World Cup final, in which Argentina lost to Spain, a brawl erupted between players from both sides. Subsequently, Argentinian players, coaches, and staff reportedly turned their backs towards the Spanish team as they celebrated their victory. Hentschel described these incidents as creating a "global ripple effect" that has affected tourists' desire to visit the country.
"Booking fluctuations for nations are normal, but it’s unusual for bookings to have reduced by 50 per cent so immediately," Hentschel said. "This could point towards somewhat of a travel boycott towards travel to the region, which highlights just how powerful sports events can be when it comes to holiday decision making."
Despite the tournament's outcome and disciplinary issues, Argentina offers numerous attractions, including Iguazu Falls, the Perito Moreno Glacier, and the vibrant capital city of Buenos Aires, known for its architecture and nightlife.
In contrast, other nations that participated in the World Cup have seen increased tourist interest. Cape Verde, for instance, has experienced a significant rise in online search interest, with UK flight searches for the destination increasing by 65% month-on-month and 34% year-on-year in June, according to travel search engine Kayak. The archipelago, known for its hotels and beaches, sees the majority of its tourists from abroad, with the UK being its largest source market. Norway has also seen anticipated interest.
