The ministers in attendance emphasized that tourism investment should not focus solely on traditional infrastructure such as hotels and transport, but also on emerging areas such as service digitalization, environmental sustainability, and the development of differentiated tourism products capable of capturing high-value market segments. This comprehensive approach responds to the growing complexity of the global tourism ecosystem, where destinations’ competitiveness is increasingly measured by their ability to offer visitors unique and sustainable experiences.
Private-sector representatives, for their part, underscored that companies play a crucial role in mobilizing financial resources and deploying technological solutions that address today’s challenges. Business leaders emphasized that public–private collaboration is indispensable for investment projects to reach a scale that generates real impact in terms of employment, revenue, and competitive positioning. They also highlighted the importance of innovative financing mechanisms, such as private equity funds focused on sustainable tourism and financial instruments linked to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, which are gaining traction among global institutional investors and represent an opportunity to broaden access to financial resources within the sector.
A recurring theme in the discussions was sustainability, understood not only as environmental protection but as a cross-cutting approach that incorporates the well-being of local communities, diversification of the offer, and resilience to economic and climate shocks. In this regard, participants agreed that tourism investment should align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting inclusive growth that benefits both large urban centers and emerging destinations and rural areas seeking to integrate into global tourism value chains. Experts noted that this shift in mindset requires new institutional capabilities and long-term strategic planning, as well as more intensive use of data and market intelligence tools to anticipate travel trends and traveler behavior.
Participants also stressed the need to improve connectivity—both physical and digital—to facilitate investment and reduce barriers to entry for new players in the sector. Strengthening air connectivity, optimizing land transport infrastructure, and promoting interoperability among digital systems were presented as essential elements for destinations to compete effectively in a globalized environment. Enhanced connectivity is also seen as a factor that can foster stronger value chains by integrating local suppliers and SMEs into large-scale investment projects, thereby generating multiplier effects in host economies.
Another point highlighted by attendees was the importance of innovation and the use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital platforms that enable personalized traveler experiences and more efficient destination management. Digital transformation is viewed as a key enabler for improving operational efficiency, increasing competitiveness, and attracting investment that, in turn, supports new business models in segments such as experiential tourism, health tourism, or nature-based tourism. This emphasis on innovation also reflects the expectations of new generations of tourists, who increasingly demand more personalized, sustainable, and connected experiences.
At the close of the meeting, participants agreed that tourism investment is an essential catalyst for global economic recovery and for building destinations that are stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive. Leaders, ministers, and business executives emphasized the value of maintaining ongoing dialogue and establishing strategic alliances that transcend borders, recognizing that the sector’s challenges—while complex—can become opportunities if addressed collaboratively and with a long-term vision. At a time when tourism faces structural changes driven by economic, technological, and environmental factors, cooperation between the public and private sectors is emerging as a decisive element in consolidating sustainable growth with lasting impact across economies worldwide.
