Tourism as a Catalyst for Economic Development in Latin America: Setting an Agenda for Policy and Research

Abstract

Latin America has seen impressive developments in the late 1990s and 2000s, and the forecasts for the next decade seem to be brightening after the global economic crisis. Yet despite the overall success of Latin America, research shows that wide regional disparities remain. This research note addresses the key barriers affecting the sustainable economic growth of Latin America as well as provides an agenda for policy and research. To achieve encompassing and sustainable progress, the Latin American economy will need to improve and enhance tourism capabilities in terms of institutional, infrastructural, and innovation capabilities.