During the 2011 Latin Hotel Association International Conference, countries such as Brazil and Mexico were mentioned as the focal points of industry development despite the economic difficulties the region is experiencing, according to Hotels News Now.
The analysis was made after the session entitled "Development in the Americas: Contrast and Comparisons", in which it was explained that despite the economic difficulties, both countries are projected as fundamental axes of progress.
On Mexico, David Wilner, corporate vice president of La Quinta Inns & Suites, commented that the country is strong in gross domestic product growth, and the reduction in unemployment makes it an attractive nation.
George Massa, vice president of Hilton Worldwide and general manager of development in Mexico, said his company has 23 hotels in Mexico. Five of those properties opened this year, and Hilton anticipates opening an additional period of five or more in 2012.
The panelists acknowledged the problem of violence and drug trafficking in Mexico in recent years. However, they agreed that the possible future profitability of that nation is too strong to pass up.
In Brazil, events such as the 2016 Summer Olympics and the 2014 World Cup make this nation a favorite among hotel construction development executives.
"Everyone wants to come in. There will be a lot of properties...," Massa said.
However, The vice president of Development for Mexico for Marriott International, Alejandro Acevedo, said it is difficult to get negotiations done in Brazil, because it can be difficult to find development partners.
