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
Sustainable tourism is growing, with its global market expected to reach $11.4 billion by 2032.
Yet reaching a more sustainable future for the tourism industry requires much more than just careful water management at hotels. The future depends on bringing together key decision makers and stakeholders.
A prime example of this in action can be found with the Central America Travel Market 2024 event. 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, these kinds of events help to find sustainability solutions that work for the majority.
Meanwhile tech innovators are helping to ensure that all facets of tourism can reduce waste in unexpected ways.
With coverage in over 200 destinations, Sim Local is a global leader in eSIM technology. Not only does this help tourists avoid roaming charges when abroad, it also drastically reduces the number of physical SIM cards being thrown away at the end of a trip by offering an alternative solution to plastic cards. Given that SIM cards can take up to 400 years to decompose when thrown into landfills, the switch to digital SIM cards has the potential to make a big difference.
What’s more, staying connected with an eSIM means that tourists can use their digital wallets to pay for goods and services to further reduce waste and promote “contactless” tools that came to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
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