Tourism in emerging markets around the world is on the rise, with the share of international tourism receipts
spent in developing countries reaching almost 40 percent, a figure which has doubled since 1980. With faster
connections, a burgeoning middle class and a rapidly increasing array of options for travelers, it is likely these
numbers will only continue to grow in the coming years.
In the face of this continued growth in the travel and tourism sector, the challenge for all governments –
advanced and emerging alike – will be how to effectively capture this growth and manage it to drive prosperity.
In the right circumstances, public-private partnerships (PPPs) can allow governments to lead the development
of tourism assets in accordance with government priorities and high environmental and social standards, while
harnessing the efficiency and creativity of the private sector.
Opportunities for PPPs in tourism can be applied across a huge span of activities, offering both public goods,
like historical artifacts, natural parks, and museums
While a PPP is not the best tool for every scenario, the strategic use of these partnerships can contribute
significantly to the development of a sustainable tourism program, and can be a part of a broader strategy to
facilitate tourist access, enhance quality and efficiency, and improve the destination experience.