Guatemala City, by Yuliza Muñoz (AGN) – The Director of the Guatemalan Tourism Institute -Inguat-, Anayansy Rodríguez, had an interview with the Asian media The Japan Times. In this interview, she highlighted the different attractions of the country and why it is one of the best destinations in the region.
The director highlighted Guatemala’s cultural richness and referenced the different traditions still being practiced.
“You can go to an archaeological site anywhere in the world, but at our sites, you can still see Mayan ceremonies with people paying homage to their ancestors or other types of celebrations to offer blessings and even weddings. It’s living culture,” stated the Director Rodríguez.
The article highlights that Guatemala is a country that offers experiences that no other destination can match, emphasizing the nation’s megadiversity in addition to cultural richness. The Japan Times underscores that Guatemala’s biodiversity encompasses 360 microclimates, allowing abundant flora and fauna unseen even in larger countries.
Government Work
The Japanese agency praised the work carried out by the Guatemalan Tourism Institute -INGUAT- promoting external tourism through affordable travel packages and raising Guatemala’s tourist competitiveness. It complimented the government’s plan to attract more foreign investment.
Sustainable tourism certifications such as the Q Seals and sustainable tourism observatories, as well as agreements with airlines and the country brand, are among the actions that stand out.
Country Brand
According to the article, the government of Guatemala works to make the nation known through the country’s brand. The strategy is a plan to define its identity in international markets.
Additionally, it was mentioned how these actions have contributed to the economic reactivation of the country after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The article added, “The sector has responded quickly to the hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and expects 2.3 million international visitors in 2023, equivalent to 90% of pre-pandemic levels.”
