UN Tourism and CAF Launch Indigenous Tourism Challenge to Empower Latin American and Caribbean Communities

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In a collaborative effort to foster sustainable growth and celebrate cultural diversity, UN Tourism and the CAF – Development Bank for Latin America and the Caribbean have introduced the Indigenous Tourism Challenge – Latin America and the Caribbean. This initiative aims to identify and support forward-thinking tourism projects that emphasize the vibrant cultural expressions and the deep connection Indigenous communities have with their environments throughout the region.

Indigenous tourism offers communities the chance to showcase and revitalize their traditions through authentic travel experiences. This approach allows travelers to immerse themselves in the customs, rituals, and ancient wisdom of native peoples. By embracing this form of tourism, Indigenous communities gain autonomy, promote sustainable development, protect their cultural heritage, and bolster their role in managing tourism as an economic resource.

The challenge seeks to position Indigenous tourism as a powerful force for economic progress while ensuring that the autonomy of communities, their ancestral customs, and the natural resources upon which they depend are honored and preserved.

What does the challenge aim to achieve? The initiative focuses on supporting projects that encourage:

• Economic Empowerment: Proposals that enhance the economic independence of Indigenous communities by increasing their ability to manage tourism-related benefits.
• Cultural Preservation: Initiatives that safeguard Indigenous traditions, languages, ceremonies, and cultural practices by integrating them into tourism experiences that honor the communities involved.
• Gastronomy Promotion: Projects that spotlight regional culinary traditions, with active participation from local farmers and markets.
• Community Innovation: Creative approaches that enhance the tourism sector without disrupting traditional ways of life, ensuring the involvement of local communities.

Prizes and Rewards for Participants
Finalists will benefit from expert guidance, access to global tourism networks, and exclusive opportunities for international exposure. The winning project will be awarded USD 10,000 in investment, alongside additional support to bring their initiative to life.

Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, highlighted: “The indigenous tourism that UN Tourism has been promoting for a decade is not only a way to promote the artistic and culinary expressions or knowledge of Indigenous peoples; it is also a tool to protect the traditions and ancestral wisdom that characterize the region. We encourage young people to come forward and lead the way for sustainable development in communities. Because the future of tourism is theirs, it is in our hands to ensure that the most human of economic sectors shines and flourishes”.

Oscar Rueda García, CAF’s Director of Tourism, said: “This is an invitation to undertake experiential tourism projects that make it possible to learn from the culture and knowledge of our ‘elder brothers’. This living culture is a treasure of Latin America and the Caribbean given that we have more than 800 Indigenous peoples and their population is 10% of the region. The application period is open until 15 June and the presentation of the winner will be made on 9 August, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples”

UN Tourism and CAF encourage entrepreneurs, tour operators, community organizations, and stakeholders dedicated to advancing Indigenous tourism to take part in this initiative, contributing to the growth of the sector across the region.