The meeting highlighted that tourism development in the Americas faces a series of persistent challenges that have not been overcome despite years of work and reflection by various international institutions. 

Among the main problems identified were the following:

• Inequality in development: the countries of the Americas are advancing at very different rates in terms of tourism development, which generates an imbalance and hinders regional integration and cooperation.

• Lack of regional coordination: collaboration between countries and the tourism industry remains ineffective, with no real commitments to back up the good intentions expressed at annual meetings.

• Inadequate resource management: the distribution and management of tourism resources are not optimized, affecting the sustainability and balanced growth of the sector.

• Infrastructure problems: tourism infrastructure in many countries still needs major improvements to meet growing demand and ensure a quality tourism experience.

• Environmental impact: tourism development must effectively address environmental impact in order to preserve the continent's natural and cultural resources.

• Cultural and social diversity: cultural and social diversity in tourism needs to be properly managed to avoid conflict and promote positive integration.

• Economic challenges: economic fluctuations and lack of adequate investment affect the growth and stability of the tourism sector.

The need for a new approach and management model.

The report concludes that the annual meetings of tourism ministries and institutions, although important, have not been effective in resolving these problems. Coordination between countries and the tourism industry is still insufficient, and declarations of intent have not been translated into concrete commitments, with the capacity to intervene and influence the actors involved, and above all, with common investment for common projects and other leading projects. It is for this reason that a new discussion forum is proposed that allows for a continuous and daily approach rather than sporadic efforts. 

This new proposal, which emerges from the Americas Tourism Summit, seeks to overcome the current limitations by creating the Americas Tourism Forum.

Objectives of the Americas Tourism Forum

The Tourism Forum of the Americas, which arises from the collaboration, involvement and through agreements between countries, institutions and companies, will be established with the following objectives: 

• Comprehensive response to tourism needs: effectively address the specific needs of tourism in each country, promoting solutions tailored to local and regional realities.

• Balanced development: to promote balanced development in the Americas by optimizing resources and implementing coordinated policies among countries.

• Improved regional coordination: establish more effective coordination mechanisms between countries, national tourism associations and industries, ensuring real commitments and joint actions.

• Sustainability and resource management: promote sustainability in tourism development, managing resources efficiently and minimizing environmental impact.

• Strengthening infrastructure: facilitating investment in tourism infrastructure to improve the quality of the tourism experience and meet growing demand.

• Promoting diversity: ensure adequate management of cultural and social diversity to promote inclusive and respectful tourism.

• Economic stability: implement strategies that mitigate economic fluctuations and strengthen the stability and growth of the tourism sector.

• Investment: Investment focuses on managing agreements with public and private institutions to secure resources for tourism and infrastructure projects. This includes optimizing fund management, establishing strategic alliances with financial entities and international organizations, coordinating regional investments for cross-border projects, and promoting sustainability through responsible investment. It also seeks to develop support funds for entrepreneurs and small businesses, maximize efficiency in the use of resources, and facilitate simplified access to financing in accordance with the needs of each applicant. 

Resources needed for the development of the Americas Tourism Forum

For the development of the Americas Tourism Forum, several key resources are required: initial and operational funding to cover administrative costs, personnel and activities; technological infrastructure for communication and event management, including an online portal; human resources specialized in tourism and event management; promotional materials to attract participants and partners; agreements with governments and institutions for financial and logistical support; and funds for research and analysis of the tourism sector in the Americas.

By establishing a continuous and coordinated work space, the goal is not only to improve the quality and sustainability of tourism, but also to promote balanced and equitable development throughout the region. Collaboration among the different actors involved will be essential for the success of this new initiative and to overcome the obstacles that have impeded progress in the past.

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