Guatemala City, by Yuliza Muñoz -AGN- Guatemala has had positive growth in tourism in 2023.
According to information provided by the Market Research and Analysis Department of the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism -Inguat,- in comparison to 2022, the country reflected an increase of 417,826 travelers. It represents an 87% increase in the total number of foreign visitors between 2022 and 2023.
The actions carried out by Inguat and the government of Guatemala have resulted in a positive outcome in attracting tourism.
Sector Recovery
Inguat’s records also show that the country has managed to recover from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The closing of the borders in March 2020 affected the tourism sector..
The institution made a comparison highlighting that, in April 2019, the year in which there was no Health Alert, 248,648 visitors visited Guatemala. This figure increased in 2023, with 254,035 tourists post-pandemic reactivation.
These data show a 102 % recovery compared to 2019.
From January to April 2023, compared to previous years, before the coronavirus emergency, the data show a 95% recovery rate in relation to 2019 and 2020. This percentage is related to the entry of 898,679 visitors up to April of this year.
Economic Revenue
The country is implementing several strategies for economic sustainability. In 2023, Holy Week reported an economic revenue of at least USD 325 million.
The declaration of Holy Week as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and its promotion contributed to thousands of foreigners visiting the country to learn about the culture and mysticism surrounding this holiday in Guatemala.
The most visited destinations during those dates were:
- Antigua Guatemala
- Retalhuleu
- Quetzaltenango
- Esquipulas
- Izabal
- Atitlán
- Petén
- Different beaches in the country
