Montevideo in Uruguay has been selected as the headquarters for the Tourism Law Observatory for Latin America and the Caribbean, a new initiative by UN Tourism.
This marks the organization's first thematic office in the Americas, focusing on legal frameworks in the tourism sector. The announcement follows a collaboration agreement between Uruguay’s Ministry of Tourism and UN Tourism, with a signing ceremony attended by Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou and other regional leaders.
Developed in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank, the Observatory will feature "TurismoLex," a comprehensive digital database of tourism legislation in the region. It will also offer a virtual classroom, a community of practices, and regulatory quality indicators.
This interactive platform aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices and discussions on legislative trends among public, private, and academic stakeholders. The Observatory will serve as a key resource for governments, policymakers, and entities in the tourism sector to enhance and harmonize legal frameworks.
It will work with academic institutions to conduct studies and issue technical reports, addressing the sector's evolving needs. Set to begin operations in early 2025, the Observatory will focus on improving the quality of tourism regulations and fostering regional regulatory cooperation.
By promoting appropriate legislation, it aims to strengthen cross-border relations and support the sustainable development of tourism in Latin America and the Caribbean. Uruguay's proposal to host the Observatory was unanimously supported by Members of the Americas region and received approval during the 121st session of the Executive Council in Barcelona.
This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the legal landscape of tourism in the region, driving growth and innovation.
