Sunday, August 25, 2024 The UN Tourism organization has announced a strategic expansion of its Investment Guides and Investment Forums , with each guide tailored to specific Latin American countries. This initiative is aimed at identifying key factors that make these destinations attractive to investors, with a strong emphasis on green and sustainable investments , reflecting the UN’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable development in the tourism sector. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism , highlighted the critical role of investment in driving economic growth and job creation within the tourism industry.
“By channeling investments into the tourism sector, we can help build sustainable infrastructure and improve the quality of life for local communities. These investments are crucial for promoting inclusive and resilient development, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are widely shared,” Bayona stated. Between 2019 and 2023, the global tourism sector attracted 1,983 foreign direct investment (FDI) greenfield projects , totaling $106.
7 billion in capital investment . This substantial inflow of capital has the potential to create nearly 260,000 jobs worldwide , demonstrating the tourism sector’s significant role in global economic development. Within Latin America and the Caribbean, 212 tourism investment projects were announced during this period , with a total capital expenditure of $20.
5 billion , expected to generate more than 73,000 potential jobs . The UN Tourism Investment Guides, forming part of the “Tourism Doing Business” series , are comprehensive resources aimed at providing strategic insights for potential investors and policymakers. These guides cover a range of innovative and sustainable investment opportunities, including debt-for-nature swaps, green and thematic bonds, and national climate change adaptation plans .
They also address sustainable financing mechanisms, investments in renewable energy specifically applied to tourism, smart infrastructure development, and the advancement of regenerative and community-based tourism initiatives . These expanded Investment Guides and Forums are expected to play a crucial role in attracting international investors to the Latin American tourism market, fostering sustainable economic growth, and supporting the development of infrastructure that aligns with global environmental and sustainability goals..
