Proposal for the creation of the Tourism Forum of the Américas

On the occasion of the work carried out by the Scientific Committee of the Americas Tourism Summit to be held in the city of Miami - Florida (USA) on December 2 and 3, a congress generated by the Tourism and Society Think Tank and developed jointly with the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom, an institution belonging to Florida International University, a summary of the tasks carried out during the year 2023 and the first months of this 2024 was presented, taking into consideration the current situation of tourism development in the Americas.

Among the conclusions, it was emphasized that, in spite of the significant efforts, efforts and resources deployed by international institutions and organizations, it has been found that fundamental problems persist that impede the full development of the tourism industry in the American continent.

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 are 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 must 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 able to effectively resolve 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 focus instead of sporadic efforts.

This new proposal stems from the Americas Tourism Summit and seeks to overcome the current limitations through the creation of 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 through the optimization of resources and the implementation of 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: manage agreements with public and private institutions to secure resources to support investments in applicants from both sectors, with conditions adapted to the reality of each applicant, which in summary would focus on:
- Optimize the management of financial resources: identify and secure both public and private funds to finance tourism projects and support infrastructure development.
- Establish strategic alliances: form agreements with financial institutions, private companies and international organizations to mobilize resources and support tourism initiatives.
- Coordinate regional investments: facilitate coordination between countries to direct resources to cross-border tourism projects that benefit several nations.
- Promote investment in sustainability: channel resources toward initiatives that promote sustainable tourism, ensuring that investments respect and promote responsible environmental practices.
- Develop support funds: create specific funds to support entrepreneurs and small businesses in the tourism sector, offering financial conditions adapted to their needs.
- Maximize resource efficiency: implement efficient resource management practices to ensure that available funds are used as effectively as possible.
- Facilitate access to resources: develop mechanisms so that applicants for financing, both public and private, can access resources in a simplified manner and in accordance with their realities and needs.

Resources needed for the development of the Tourism Forum of the Americas

The creation of the Tourism Forum of the Americas represents a crucial opportunity to effectively address the challenges facing the tourism sector in the Americas and requires resources for its development, primarily:

Start-up and operating funds: secure initial funding for the start-up of the forum, as well as resources for its ongoing functioning, including administrative costs, personnel and operational activities.
Technological infrastructure: invest in technology and digital platforms for communication, coordination and event management, as well as for the creation of an online portal to facilitate collaboration and information exchange.
Specialized human resources: recruit and train a team of professionals with expertise in tourism, event management, and regional development to lead and manage the forum.
Promotional materials and resources: develop marketing and communication materials to promote the forum, attract participants and partners, and increase the visibility and impact of its activities.
Agreements and partnerships: establish agreements with governments, private institutions and international organizations to secure financial and logistical support, as well as additional resources and strategic support.
Research and analysis: finance studies and analyses to identify the needs of the tourism sector in the Americas, evaluate the impact of the forum and adjust strategies based on the results obtained.

By establishing a continuous and coordinated working 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 various stakeholders involved will be essential for the success of this new initiative and for overcoming the obstacles that have impeded progress in the past.

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The authors are responsible for the choice and presentation of the facts contained in this document and for the opinions expressed therein, which are not necessarily those of Tourism and Society Think Tank and do not commit the Organization, and should not be attributed to TSTT or its members.

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