Introduction
According to World Bank, the LAC region is expected to grow by +2.1% in 2025 and +2.4% in 2026, making it the slowest growth region in the world for these years. Low investment (reflected in the limited number of deals done, below), high debt costs, local issues and an uncertain external environment are major barriers to the region’s development. Despite this somewhat pessimistic backdrop, the region’s tourism industry has boomed, with UNWTO recording that LAC exceeded 2019 (pre-C19) levels. Compared to 2023, the region witnessed +7% growth. But the key stat is surely #20 for those who know.
The encouraging UNWTO trends were reflected in actual hotel data, whereby there was lots of positive territory within the performance numbers, with Rio de Janeiro being the star (+23.3% in occupancy and +51.1% in GOPPAR) and Miraflores its understudy (+17.5% in ADR and +39.1% in GOPPAR). At the bottom end of the order, Cartagena GOPPAR fell by -10.6% and Cayman Islands by -6%.
The development of multiple luxury resort projects and the need to build resilient infrastructure are sustaining construction cost inflation across much of the Caribbean.
The number of transactions was quite limited again this last year and transparent deal data remains very limited. Elsewhere, new developments continue to be realised and refurbishments to be undertaken as properties rebadge and/or defend their market positions.
Despite the pessimistic backdrop, the region’s tourism industry has boomed.
Many thanks to our friends at HotStats for their back page feature contribution, a deep-dive into Laura’s beloved Argentina.
Philip Camble
Director, Whitebridge Hospitality
Editor, LAC Hotels Monitor
About WhiteBridge Hospitality
Whitebridge Hospitality is a specialist advisor to investors, developers and operators in the hospitality industry around the globe. We provide investment, operational and planning advice, and guidance in respect of the entire hospitality spectrum, including: hotels, mixed-use developments, conference and exhibition centres, spas, leisure facilities, casinos, visitor attractions and sporting venues. Our uniquely qualified team can provide services throughout an asset’s life cycle, from site selection and acquisition, through master planning and feasibility studies, to operator selection, operational and asset strategy advice, to sale and agency services.
Philip Camble
Director
+44 20 7195 1482
Whitebridge Hospitality
