Likewise, the importance of tourism goes beyond its immediate economic effects: it acts as a catalyst for local development. Every foreign visitor brings in foreign currency, boosts demand for goods and services, encourages new investment, and helps improve connectivity—not only for tourism, but also for trade and logistics—in destination countries. This multiplier effect turns the sector into a lever for sustainable development and social inclusion, capable of generating positive impacts far beyond traditional tourist areas.

However, the IDB report warns that progress is not homogeneous: there are marked differences between countries and subregions. In the Caribbean and Central America, for example, tourism remains highly concentrated in traditional forms of mass tourism, making them particularly vulnerable to external shocks and seasonal fluctuations. In many South American countries and in some larger economies, the relative weight of tourism in overall economic activity is still lower, indicating significant room for diversification and growth.

The IDB argues that, in order to fully harness this potential, the region must commit to comprehensive public policies: investment in infrastructure, strengthening human capital, improving the quality of services, diversifying tourism offerings (beyond just sun and beach), and—crucially—a sustainable approach that integrates environmental, cultural and community dimensions. These actions are key to consolidating tourism as a powerful development driver—resonant, inclusive and resilient—with the capacity to generate added value and quality jobs.

In a global context of growing competition, economic volatility and new forms of tourism, the IDB report positions tourism as a strategic lever for Latin America and the Caribbean: a driver of trade, employment and investment; a source of foreign exchange; an instrument for local and regional development; and a pathway to diversify economies in an increasingly interconnected world. With the right policies in place, tourism could become a pillar of sustainable, equitable and inclusive recovery for millions of people across the region.