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Guatemala’s tourism industry plays an important role in the national economy, accounting for about 1.8% of the gross domestic product (GDP), or $1,685.3 million. In addition to injecting vitality into the local economy and providing a source of employment for domestic and foreign tourists, the total employment contribution is expected to be 1.8%, generating a multiplier effect throughout the value chain of products and services. Development of the national economy (World Economic Forum, 2024).
However, the competitiveness of Guatemala’s tourism industry has declined in recent years. According to the World Economic Forum’s latest Tourism and Travel Development Index (2024), Guatemala’s ranking among 119 countries has dropped from 95th to 100th, with an overall score of 3.42 points. 7, which is the maximum rating. The index evaluates the industry from five main axes: enabling environment, tourism and travel policies and conditions, infrastructure and services, industry resources and sustainability, including 17 elements, with the highest rating ranging from 1 to 7.
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Compared to other Central American countries, Guatemala ranks fourth. Costa Rica leads the region, ranking 51st out of 119 countries analyzed, making it the first in Central America. It is followed closely by Panama, which ranks 63rd. ranking and is in the second regional position. El Salvador is third in the region and ranks 97th ranking All. Of the 119 countries assessed, Guatemala ranked lowest at 100th, followed by Nicaragua at 108th and Honduras at 111th. Figure 1 compares the status of Central American countries in the global economy. ranking 2024.
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It is noteworthy that the lowest-rated categories for Guatemala are related to infrastructure and services, including air transport infrastructure (2.5), roads and ports (2.3), and tourism services and infrastructure (1.8). In addition, there are deficiencies in the management of tourism and travel resources, including the protection and promotion of natural resources (2.8), culture (1.4), and non-tourism-related attractions (1.6), such as famous cities and universities. On the other hand, the highest-rated elements include price competitiveness (5), safety and protection of tourism (5), and the socio-economic impact of the industry on the country (5.3). Figure 2 shows the corresponding qualifications for 2024.
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Tourism is one of the sectors most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, due to mobility restrictions, the cessation of commercial air traffic and the closure of national borders; however, by the first quarter of 2024, international tourism globally has reached 97% of pre-pandemic levels, while the Americas have almost reached 2019 levels, with a 99% recovery, according to the Tourism Barometer of the World Tourism Organization (United Nations World Tourism Organization).
In this context, domestic tourism has played a vital role in the recovery of the sector. According to the Tourism Observatory of Antigua and Petén (Tikal), Guatemala, domestic tourism (including overnight visitors and day-trippers) is seven times greater than external tourism. In 2022, Antigua, Guatemala received a total of 3,889,307 local tourists and a total of 504,775 non-resident tourists. In Petén, for example, there is also a significant difference between domestic and foreign tourism, with a total of 863,732 local tourists in 2022, compared to 117,992 foreign tourists.
The difference between domestic and foreign tourism is also reflected in economic impact. According to 2022 data, in Antigua Guatemala, domestic tourism generated an economic impact of 6.757 billion quetzales (866 million U.S. dollars), while external tourism totaled 2.223 billion quetzales (285 million U.S. dollars). Similarly, in the Petén region, the economic impact of domestic tourism was even more significant, totaling 3.801 billion quetzales (487 million U.S. dollars), while foreign tourism generated an economic impact of 540 million quetzales (69 million U.S. dollars). In Antigua Guatemala, the economic benefits of domestic tourism are three times greater than those of foreign tourism, while in Petén, the economic benefits of domestic tourism are seven times greater than those of foreign tourism, as shown in Figure 3.
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Data shows that domestic tourism plays an important role in the tourism industry, contributing even more to the economy than foreign tourism; however, in Guatemala, there are few projects to promote it and improve local tourism products and services. This phenomenon is not unique to Guatemala, in fact, the World Tourism Organization estimates that domestic tourism is six times greater than international tourism worldwide (UNWTO, 2020), and hotel occupancy rates also reach 70% to 90%. Local tourism.
Despite the importance of this market segment, in Guatemala it has not received the attention it deserves, lacking development policies and incentives, in addition to other challenges for the full development of the sector, such as the development of infrastructure roads, ports and airports, infrastructure for quality products and services, and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage from a sustainable tourism perspective. Countries such as Mexico and Costa Rica have implemented policies such as long weekends, marketing and promotional campaigns to get to know the country and diversify the tourism product with a focus on rural tourism, ecotourism, health, gastronomy, etc.
These policies require the joint efforts of all local authorities, in collaboration with the public and private sectors, trade unions, groups, municipalities, companies and local communities. In addition to creating statistical systems and observatories to provide relevant data and information for strategic decision-making.
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Developing domestic tourism in Guatemala is not only an economic opportunity, but also a way to promote socio-cultural integration within the country. Encouraging local tourism can help redistribute economic benefits to communities that have historically been marginalized or dependent on extractive industries. In addition, strengthening domestic tourism can contribute to the protection of the environment and cultural heritage by encouraging sustainable and responsible tourism practices. It is essential that the government and the private sector work together to develop adequate infrastructure, improve the quality of tourism services, and promote the diversity of destinations and activities, thereby ensuring balanced and sustainable growth of Guatemala’s tourism industry.
In conclusion, this approach will not only strengthen tourism infrastructure and services, but will also guarantee the protection of the country’s valuable cultural and natural heritage, ensuring sustainable and equitable growth for all communities involved in Guatemala’s tourism industry.
For more information about the study, you can View this article.
refer to
World Economic Forum (2024). Tourism Development Index 2024. Insight ReportWEF Editorial, https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Travel_and_Tourism_Development_Index_2024.pdf
Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT) (2022). Observatory for Sustainable Tourism in Antigua, Guatemala. Recovered from: https://observatorioturisticoantigua.gt/
Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT) (2022). Observatory for Sustainable Tourism in Petén. Recovered from: https://observatorioturisticopeten.gt/
World Tourism Organization (OMT). (2020). Understanding domestic tourism and seizing opportunities. UNWTO Briefing. https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/epdf/10.18111/9789284422111?role=tab
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). (2024). World Tourism Barometer. https://www.unwto.org/es/barometro-del-turismo-mundial-de-onu-turismo
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