UN Tourism announces expansion of Investment Guides and Forums in Latin America

UN Tourism has confirmed its plans to expand its series of Investment Guides and Investment Forums, each focused on a specific country in Latin America. The guides identify key competitiveness factors to build an attractive value proposition for investors, including information on green and sustainable investments, underlining a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Natalia Bayona, UN Tourism Executive Director, stated, "Investments in the tourism sector are critical to driving economic growth and job creation. Through these investments, destinations can develop sustainable infrastructure and improve the quality of life of local communities, promoting inclusive and resilient development".

Between 2019 and 2023, the tourism sector attracted 1,983 announced foreign direct investment (FDI) greenfield projects, with a total of $106.7 billion in capital investments. The flow of capital has created nearly 260,000 potential jobs worldwide, underscoring the sector's significant role in economic development and job creation. Around 212 tourism investment projects were announced in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a total of $20.5 billion in capital expenditure, expected to create more than 73,000 potential jobs.

"Foreign direct investment is crucial for the development of tourism in our member countries. These investments not only provide the necessary capital for infrastructure and services, but also bring innovation, technology and best practices that strengthen the competitiveness of the sector at a global level,” added Baytona.

The UN Tourism Investment Guides, part of the "Tourism Doing Business" series, are comprehensive documents designed to provide strategic support and information for potential investors and policymakers in the tourism sector. It addresses new innovation and sustainability topics, such as debt-for-nature swaps, green and thematic bonds, national climate change adaptation plans, sustainable financing mechanisms, investments in renewable energy applied to tourism, smart infrastructure development, regenerative tourism, and the promotion of community-based tourism.