All roads lead to Patagonia: infrastructure and tourism for job creation

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve visited Patagonia. Whether hiking through ancient forests, trekking across glaciers, or skiing with friends and family, Patagonia has always been my place to recharge, reconnect, and marvel at nature’s wonders.

I never imagined that one day I’d be coordinating a project in one of my favorite places on earth, particularly, in the province of Neuquén, known for its snow-capped Andes, glacial lakes, and Mapuche cultural heritage, as well as for its outsized potential to create jobs through nature-based tourism and regional value chains.

With World Bank support, Neuquén is embarking on a first-phase investment to turn its natural beauty and cultural richness into engines for inclusive, sustainable growth.

The Resilient Infrastructure for Regional Economic Development and Job Creation Project, which was approved last November, supports a simple idea with powerful effects: when people and firms can reliably reach destinations and services—and when those places are safe, well-equipped, and sustainably managed—opportunities multiply.

Tourism is a major global economic sector, accounting for over 10% of global GDP and supporting one in ten jobs worldwide. In 2025, tourism was projected to contribute US$11.7 trillion to global GDP and support 371 million jobs, with more than half of these jobs held by women and young people. In Argentina, it’s a vital sector, contributing about 10% of the country’s GDP and providing around a million jobs. After the pandemic, tourism is bouncing back and national parks are seeing millions of visits each year.

Traful Lake (Left) Improving the roads between tourist places improves job creation. Photo: Verónica Raffo/World Bank

But with this growth comes responsibility. Patagonia’s unique landscapes are fragile, and balancing economic opportunity with environmental protection is essential. Our project will support sustainable tourism, focusing on authentic cultural and nature experiences, environmental sustainability, and benefits for local communities (especially involving indigenous communities). Investments are designed around three pillars:

• Better connections: Improving roads between communities, markets, and tourist destinations—including stronger integration with Chile’s Patagonia.
• Upgraded destinations: Investing in essential services and visitor infrastructure so that more people can enjoy in a safe way.
• Stronger institutions: Building local capacity for tourism management, disaster risk planning, and public-private partnerships to ensure long-term success.

This isn’t just about tourists. The project is designed to help small businesses, entrepreneurs, and local communities—creating jobs in hospitality, transport, and supply chains. Additionally, the project’s Stakeholder Engagement Plan ensures inclusion of women, people with disabilities, youth, Indigenous communities, and other groups traditionally excluded from consultation and benefit sharing.

Climate change and natural disasters—like wildfires and extreme weather—are real challenges in Neuquén. That’s why the project includes resilient engineering, early warning systems, and emergency response plans. The aim is to protect both people and the landscapes that make Patagonia so magical.

This is just the beginning of a larger vision for Patagonia: a future where sustainable tourism drives private investment, creates jobs, and preserves the region’s natural and cultural treasures.

I truly hope you’ll have the chance to experience this special region for yourself and, like me, fall in love with this breathtaking corner of the world.