Investment opportunities in sustainable tourism
Tourism represented approximately four percent of the global economy before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. During 2020-2021, the sector experienced significant losses, including a marked decline in capital investment, which included foreign direct investment. Since then, global tourism has been recovering slowly but steadily, returning to pre-pandemic levels.
According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), investments are crucial for the recovery and future growth of tourism, aligned with Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Through its recent 2022 Tourism Investment Report, it sheds light on an uneven recovery landscape and the urgent need to redesign our investment strategies focusing on education, sustainable infrastructure, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The report highlights that while tourism has shown signs of recovery, with a 5.3% increase in tourist arrivals in 2021, foreign direct investment (FDI) has remained low. In this regard, FDI in tourism decreased in 2021 and continued its decline in the first half of this year, despite the significant increase in air traffic in Europe. This disparity indicates that, although the demand for travel has improved, investments in the sector have not followed the same pace, posing a critical challenge that demands our attention.
Despite this scenario, the report points out that investment is focused on accommodations, representing 59% of announced projects. However, emerging subsectors such as travel technology and software, accounting for 21% of announced investments from 2019 to 2021, indicate a shift towards more technological and personalized travel experiences, a valuable clue for investors.
Strategic investment areas in sustainable tourism
Investment opportunities in sustainable tourism focus on strategic areas such as eco-friendly hotels, sustainable transportation, and ecotourism and adventure experiences. Additionally, conservation projects offer opportunities to invest in environmental preservation, directly addressing the growing demand from modern travelers seeking authentic and nature-friendly experiences.
Future evolution of sustainable tourism
From the future perspective, the evolution of the tourism sector will be shaped by technological innovation, changes in consumer preferences, robust government policies, and strategic alliances. The increasing demand for ethical and sustainable experiences, combined with the rise of technology to offer more personalized and efficient experiences, will continue to leave its mark on the industry. These elements, along with policies, regulations, and strategic collaborations, form a landscape where investment in sustainable tourism is not only strategic but essential to ensure continuous success in the industry.
In conclusion, investment in sustainable tourism is destined to be a cornerstone of the sector’s future growth. Those who choose to support companies and projects embracing sustainability will not only contribute to positive change, but will also be positioned to take advantage of the continued growth of an increasingly conscious tourism industry.
Consulted resources
https://www.unwto.org/es/inversion/guias-de-inversion-turistica-sa1
https://www.unwto.org/investment/tourism-investment-report-2022
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