Tourism Investment Fund (TIF)

closed

The specific objectives of the technical cooperation are to research potential models including the successful vacation saving program in France, to meet with a range of banking, travel sector and development experts, to hold at least two focus groups with selected experts to determine the structure of the TIF, and to prepare a business plan and feasibility study to launch the TIF. Among the areas to be investigated are potential partnerships with an existing bank, a plan to promote the TIF through ‘green' businesses in the U.S. and Canada, an analysis of market demand for sustainable tourism, and an analysis of carbon offset programs and potential partners in the target countries, Ecuador and Costa Rica. To meet these objectives, the technical cooperation provided by the Italian Trust Fund will finance one Italian and one part time non-Italian consultant who will conduct focus groups, consultations in the target countries (Ecuador and Costa Rica), develop a feasibility study and business plan, and prepare a proposal to be submitted to the MIF.