SECTOR OF TOURISM
The vision of this
sector is focused on developing new sustainable tourism segments in Guatemala
to promote training and technical assistance to tourism business people in
issues of quality certification and rational and sustainable management of
cultural and natural resources.
To achieve these
objectives, the following strategies are followed:
·
Support for the creation of new tourism products
·
Constant counseling to improve services provided
·
Application of certification systems of sustainable tourism
·
Promote development of small and medium businesses
Guatemala has a
cultural and natural diversity of great value among the global context. There
are many recreational activities that tourists can undertake during their
visit to the country. The current increase of international flights and the
arrival of cruise ships to both main seaports has facilitated access and
increased tourism development.
COMITURS
The sustainable
tourism committees vision is, To group sectors interested in developing and
promoting sustainable tourism in Guatemala, a tool for economic growth both
locally and nationally, as well as for conservation of the natural and
cultural patrimony. Its mission is, To generate a business organization of
the sustainable tourism sector that undertakes joint efforts to promote
initiatives that promote its development and support an effective
coordination with Government institutions, international cooperation and
other representative institutions of the Guatemalan tourism sector.
The sustainable
tourism committee includes around 20 companies, divided into tour operators,
associated destinations and local communities. They are small companies that
have developed the tourism business as a new source of income among their
main activities.
Competitive Advantages
Climate:
Guatemala has a spring-like weather most of the year, which favors tourism
activities. The average temperature is 20º C although in the coastal areas it
can reach 37º C.
Geographic location:
Guatemala is part of an ecological bridge between the Northern and Southern
Hemispheres. North and west, it borders Mexico; northeast, it borders Belize;
East with Honduras; and, El Salvador is located in the Southwest.
Natural diversity: Its
preferential location, combined with the weather and physical
characteristics, give the country with one of the highest levels of
biological diversity in the planet. It has protected areas and natural
reserves that host a diversity of flora and fauna throughout Guatemala.
Cultural diversity:
Guatemala has the legacy of the Mayan civilization that can be seen in all
the archaeological sites distributed along the country. Therefore, Guatemala
is an important place for development of archaeological tourism. Also,
because of Spanish colonization, this influence is also present in many towns
and cities, with its most important representation in La Antigua Guatemala.
Main tourism
products:
Agro-tourism:
Guatemala has guided visits to coffee, orchid and macadamia nut plantations,
where production processes can be seen, from production, to process, packing
and the final products ready to for sale.
Bird watching: There
are more than 100 protected areas where you can find endemic species,
migratory birds and species in danger of extinction that are of great
interest for visitors interested in avi-tourism or bird watching.
Archaeology:
Guatemala is considered to be the heart of the Mayan world. There are many
archaeological sites that can be visited. The main ones are found in the
Petén area. In these sites, the large building, stele, ceramics etc. used by
our ancestors can be seen.
Diving: Diving
can be done in Lake Atitlán where archaeological remains can be seen, also in
Amatique Bay with the characteristic diving of the Caribbean, and finally in
the Pacific Ocean.
Cruises: We
have two port terminals that offer all kind of services for visitors arriving
in Guatemala by cruise.
Ecotourism:
Destinations where you can interact with nature, have contact with
communities, and learn from both.
Events and
conventions: Different international events and conventions take
place each year, where Guatemala offers first class facilities.
Golf:
Several golf courses in the city and surrounding areas have been the seat of
international championships, as their quality is at par with the best golf
courses in the world.
Adventure tourism: The
Guatemalan territory is ideal to practice camping, canopy, rafting, canoeing,
trekking, mountain biking, and spelunking.
Sports fishing:
Guatemala has positioned itself as one of the main sites for sports fishing,
specially sailfish and marlin. International championships have taken place
in the Pacific Coast. Also, there is world class fishing in rivers and lakes.
Cultural tours: Here,
the meeting of the Maya and Spanish cultures has left behind traces of the
customs and richness both brought to the mix. Along the country, visits can
be made to learn and live with local ethnic groups, the Mayan, Garifuna and
Xinca communities. There. Tourists can admire the dress that characterizes
them and how it is made, the folklore, the colonial legacy still present in
some cities, the handcraft production processes and local cuisine.
Industry growth
In Guatemala,
tourism is one of the most important sources of foreign currency, making it a
national priority in the economy. Last year 1,505,069 tourists were welcomed,
with growth being 21% during the past three years.
More
Information:
TEL:
(502) 2422 3503
FAX:
(502) 2422 3434
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