UNWTO leading the charge for promoting and coordinating in sustainable tourism investment in Latin America: What you need to know?

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The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is taking a proactive stance in promoting and coordinating investments in the tourism sector throughout Latin America.

Recognizing the immense potential of tourism to drive economic growth and community empowerment in the region, UNWTO is expanding its series of Investment Guides and Investment Forums, each focusing on a specific country.

These comprehensive guides identify key competitiveness factors to attract investors, emphasizing green and sustainable investments.

UNWTO Executive Director Natalia Bayona highlighted the importance of these investments in driving economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.

Global Tourism Investment Trends

Between 2019 and 2023, the tourism sector attracted a significant amount of foreign direct investment (FDI), totaling $106.7 billion.

This investment led to the creation of nearly 260,000 potential jobs worldwide. In Latin America and the Caribbean, 212 tourism investment projects were announced during the same period, with a total capital expenditure of $20.5 billion.

UNWTO Investment Guides: A Catalyst for Sustainable Development

The UNWTO Investment Guides offer a wealth of information for potential investors and policymakers.

They address a range of topics, including debt-for-nature swaps, green bonds, national climate change adaptation plans, and regenerative tourism.

These guides are crucial for informed decision-making, economic development, sustainability, and innovation.

Green Investments: A Focus on Sustainability

The guides also feature a dedicated chapter on green and sustainable investments, highlighting countries’ strategies and commitments to sustainability.

Examples of innovative operations, such as debt-for-nature swaps, demonstrate how to finance conservation and sustainability initiatives.

UNWTO’s Partnership with CAF

UNWTO has partnered with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) to promote sustainable tourism investments in the region.

This collaboration has led to the development of investment guides for several countries, including Brazil, Honduras, Mexico, Jamaica, Argentina, and Peru.

New Investment Opportunities

Latin American countries offer a variety of incentives to attract foreign investment in the tourism sector, including specialized agencies, bilateral agreements, free zones, and tax benefits.

These incentives create a favorable environment for investors seeking to contribute to the region’s economic growth.

UNWTO’s commitment

UNWTO’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism investment in Latin America is evident through its Investment Guides and Investment Forums.

By providing valuable information and fostering collaboration, UNWTO is playing a vital role in driving economic development and creating a more sustainable future for the region.