Global
Unique regional characteristics impact LATAM's travel landscape
Regional spotlight: LATAM
As the Latin American region experiences significant growth economically, and subsequently in
business travel, many travel buyers based throughout the world may find themselves with
responsibility for travel in this area. Like any other region, there are some unique differences
involved with managing travel in Latin America of which buyers must be aware to be effective. The
following outlines some of the most significant nuances, with much more Latin America-specific
content forthcoming in future issues of
CWT Vision as we add this dynamic part of the world to our collection of Regional
Spotlights in each issue.
Societal differences
In general, the pace of doing business in Latin America differs from many other parts of the
world. Depending on where a traveler is from, they may perceive it as slower than their home
country. For example, Latin Americans are often regarded as knowing how to enjoy life, with offices
shutting down or holding parties to celebrate events like the World Cup tournament every four
years. There is also a heavy focus on building and maintaining relationships with business
associates, with more than half of many meetings often focused on personal exchanges, with the last
few minutes dedicated to conducting business. Finally, like many other regions, Latin America also
encompasses many currencies, which can complicate a trip for travelers accustomed to using a single
currency across a large geographic area, such as the European Union or the United States.
