The tourism industry maintained positive momentum throughout this past year. During the last quarter of 2024, tourist traffic to, from and within Latin America and the Caribbean increased by 5.3%, helping to move more than 38 million people in this region of the world.
However, this upturn also placed a flashlight on certain challenges that, as an industry, should be addressed in order to help the region become more competitive when it comes to travel.
Technology, in particular in the year ahead, can play an important role here.
Tech and AI in personalization
Today there are a number of innovative ways to move across Latin America, enabling tourists to have safer, personalized travel experiences tailored to their preferences.
Emerging technologies increase competitiveness and improve the efficiency of operational processes, thus improving customer service and optimizing resources.
One way companies can tap into technology for this market is via big data management, in which AI can identify patterns and trends in traveler behavior. This helps companies make more informed decisions.
For example, adjusting marketing strategies, developing more effective campaigns or improving product and service offerings according to the preferences and needs of each customer.
On the other hand, travelers can make use of tools such as Travel GPT, an AI-based travel assistant that allows you to select your preferred language and then search for destinations. The tool generates a complete travel guide about the place you plan to visit, covering aspects such as history, climate and culture.
Sustainable tourism
Sustainability is undoubtedly a challenge that not only tourism, but all economic industries must prioritize. Mass tourism has brought with it great economic benefits, but it has also generated negative effects.
This, together with carbon emissions from transportation, the exploitation of natural resources and the negative effects on ecosystems, are aspects that must continue to be addressed. To this end, sustainable practices must be adopted to ensure that tourism continues to be a source of benefit for everyone now and in the future.
For example, last year Central America hosted the Central America Travel Market 2024, the most important event in the region for its ability to bring together key players in the sector, with the participation of high-level government officials from the region and representatives of the tourism sector willing to promote tourism in Central America and the Dominican Republic, according to the organizers.
In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic we saw the emergence of “contactless” tools that allow you to make reservations or purchases without the need for a plastic or physical card, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint. One example of this is via eSIM options like Sim Local.
Sustainable tourism is growing and the global market is expected to reach $11.4 billion by 2032.
Connectivity in travel
By connecting people, businesses and communities, travel facilitates economic activity and is itself a big driver: in fact, it accounts for around 10% of global GDP.
Travel plays an even more important role in strengthening global connectivity, providing a basis for understanding, respect and collaboration. This can also contribute to a future in which everyone participates in a more constructive, cooperative and interconnected world.
