The ABD is a private-sector-led initiative facilitated by the IDB that fosters high-level dialogue between governments and the region’s private sector on policies that promote development. This strategic partnership between the IDB and WTTC sets out a roadmap to generate public policy recommendations, mobilize investment, and scale solutions that benefit communities and tourism destinations.
The Tourism Task Force currently includes 22 companies: Marriott International, Copa Airlines, Grupo Aviatur, The Leading Hotels of the World, Anato Colombia, Carnival Cruise Line, COHEP, and Grupo PuntaCana, among others.
“This launch marks a milestone in integrating tourism into the IDB and IDB Invest’s productive development agenda, recognizing its transformational potential for the region. In collaboration with our private sector partners and WTTC, we aim to deliver tangible outcomes: more investment, jobs, and regional growth,” said Fabrizio Opertti, Manager of the IDB’s Integration and Trade Sector.
Christopher Imbsen, Vice President of Policy at WTTC, emphasized the importance of the travel and tourism sector as a driver of growth in Latin America and the Caribbean:
“The region has a generational opportunity to place tourism at the center of its development agenda. With this new Task Force underway, we can drive smarter investments, unlock growth, and create jobs and large-scale opportunities.”
According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), tourism contributed US$714 billion to the regional GDP in 2024 and generated more than 28 million jobs. But the potential goes beyond the numbers: the sector can energize value chains in gastronomy, logistics, technology, the creative economy, and financial services, while promoting inclusion, digitalization, and territorial development.
The ABD plenary session included the participation of César Dargam, Executive Vice President of the National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP); Tomás Bermúdez, General Manager of the IDB’s Department for Central America, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, and the Dominican Republic; Fabrizio Opertti, Manager of the IDB’s Integration and Trade Sector; Christopher Imbsen, Vice President of Policy at WTTC; and Katharina Falkner-Olmedo, IDB Representative in the Dominican Republic, among others.
The next step for the Task Force will be the presentation of private sector-driven policy proposals to regional leaders at the Americas Business Summit, to be held on December 3–4, 2025, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is committed to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the IDB works with the region’s public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Through financing, technical assistance, and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries. Visit our website: https://www.iadb.org/en.
About WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global private travel and tourism sector. For over 30 years, WTTC has been the sector’s voice, working with governments and international institutions to promote growth, employment, and sustainable development. Its evidence-based insights and convening power make it the leading authority on the economic and social impact of the sector.
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