SECTOR

Tourism, Retail, and Property

IFC is committed to promoting private sector development in emerging markets, and our work in tourism, retail, and property is a key part of that mission. We provide financing and advisory services to help businesses in these sectors grow and create jobs, while also promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Select a Region Sub navigation page selecting option, jump to that section

Since 1956, IFC has invested over $2.8 billion in over 260 projects in 89 countries with more than half of these investments in frontier countries in the tourism sector and over US$2 billion in over 75 retail projects in more than 30 countries. Our portfolio of commercial property investments comprises over $470 million of investments in over 30 projects.

The impact of IFC clients in 2021:

  • 169
    Thousand jobs supported
  • $34.7 B
    In domestic purchases

At a Glance

In FY22, our new long-term commitments in tourism, retail, and property totaled about $700 million, including $28 million mobilized from other investors.

Areas of Focus

IFC prioritizes investments in the tourism sector due to the strong development impact, particularly within low-income and fragile and conflict-affected countries. Investments in retail align with the economic importance of employment, consumer spending, and tax revenues. Our investments in property aim to promote the development of affordable housing and essential urban infrastructure, whilst also incorporating the latest green building standards and technology.

Tourism

The tourism industry is a major contributor to employment, foreign exchange earnings, and tax revenues for developing countries. IFC invests in hotels and tourism due to its strong development impact, particularly for low-income countries and fragile and conflict-affected countries.

Retail

IFC supports investments in the retail sector in developing countries because of its economic importance in terms of employment, consumer spending, and tax revenues.

Property

Through investments in property, IFC aims to promote development of affordable housing and essential urban infrastructure, incorporating the latest green building standards and technology.