by Arturo Garcia Rosa - President & CEO, SAHIC Group

Sustainable tourism has been positioned by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), a regional body of the United Nations, as a strategic sector to receive foreign direct investment (FDI) and thus promote development in the region, according to the annual report La Inversión Extranjera Directa en América Latina y el Caribe 2024. 

When we look at the global context, in 2023 Latin America and the Caribbean had an FDI flow that represented 14% of the global flow, which is above the average for the 2010s, at 11%. 

All that makes the region an increasingly attractive destination for investors, mainly because of its natural resources. However, to move forward, it is increasingly important for the countries of the region to make strong promotional efforts and political moves to encourage the entry of international capital.

Creating an environment conducive to identifying opportunities and strengthening relationships is one of the objectives of SAHIC 2025, which will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I look forward to meeting you there to discuss ways of boosting investment in hospitality and advancing the region.