Updating the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan and Improving Air Connectivity in Guatemala

In partnership with: Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT)

Focus

Updating the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan of Guatemala
To promote sustainable and competitive tourism in Guatemala, the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan 2015-2025 will be updated in a coordinated and participatory manner, including a review of the country’s tourism vision and relevant activities and come up with a detailed short-term implementation strategy and action plan. The new Master Plan, covering the 2026-2035 period, will address global tourism trends and challenges such as experiential tourism, digital transformation, climate change, massification, energy transition and artificial intelligence, among others. Once the new Master Plan is finalized, training workshops are envisioned to strengthen capacities of key tourism actors (unions, companies, institutions and public officials) to ensure effective implementation of recommendations.

Improving Air Connectivity in Guatemala
INGUAT requires strategic collaboration aimed at strengthening Guatemala's air connectivity as a fundamental part of its tourism and economic development. The main objective of this project is to demonstrate to airlines the potential and market opportunities that Guatemala offers, with the overall aim to increase air connectivity (and tourist flows) to the country.

The project will deliver an Air Connectivity Report aimed at achieving the following goals:

• Position Guatemala as a strategic hub: work towards airlines considering Guatemala as a priority destination when evaluating new market opportunities.
• Establish new routes from key markets: Facilitate the opening of new air routes that connect Guatemala with strategic markets.
• Increase capacity on existing routes: Promote an increase in the frequency and capacity of already operational routes to Guatemala.
• Encourage greater competition in the market: Encourage greater airline participation, which could result in more competitive fares and, therefore, an additional stimulus for air traffic.
   

Highlights

Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvilli welcomed the Director General of INGUAT, Harris Whitbeck, at UN Tourism Headquarters on 19 February for an official visit and for the signing of agreements to consolidate implementation of these two important projects which will impact the Americas region.

Stay Tuned...

...for more updates on our progress in improving Guatemala´s air connectivity and in updating its Sustainable Tourism Master Plan.