During Holy Week, Guatemala attracts thousands of tourists, both national and foreign, which translates into vibrant economic activity.
In fact, following the critical years for the tourism sector as a result of the pandemic, in 2023 the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (Inguat) reported a 90% recovery.
Ericka Guillermo, deputy director of Inguat, explained that, During 2023, 2.65 million national and international visitors were registered, which meant a 43% increase compared to 2022 and 4% in relation to the pre-pandemic period.
Meanwhile, the projection for 2024 is 3.3 million visitors:
- 3 million 120 thousand 484 residents
- 136 thousand 977 international
Regarding the income of foreign currency, The country expects an income of Q2 thousand 636.43 million.
Arrival of foreigners
According to the deputy director of Inguat, this time represents the arrival of thousands of visitors, of which it is expected that regarding 137 thousand will be international.
Inguat’s forecasts indicate that:
- 54% of travelers would be citizens of El Salvador
- 15% of the United States
- 12% from Honduras
- 6% from Europe
The main destinations where influx is expected are:
- Antigua Guatemala – 49%
- Retalhuleu – 14%
- Quetzaltenango – 10%
- Pacific beaches – 8%
- Izabal – 6%
- Atitlán – 5%
- Las Verapaces – 3%
- Esquipulas and Petén – 2%
On the other hand, in January of this year they arrived in Guatemala 258,790 international tourists, which meant an increase of 19% in relation to the same period of the previous year.
High recovery in 2023
According to the authorities, the 2023 figures constituted the most successful recovery of this economic activity, following three years following the pandemic was declared, which led to mobility restrictions, closure of borders and airports, as well as the cessation of tourist trips and social activities.
The governing body of tourism reported at the time that during Holy Week last year there was a significant recovery in this sector and the 2023 figures represented 90% of what was recorded in 2019, the last year before the pandemic, when 3 million 455 thousand travelers (national and foreign) and Q2 thousand 413.8 million in economic benefits were reported.
In 2019 there were 166,637 foreign visitors in Semana Mayor and an economic impact of US$50.4 million; while the nationals were 3 million 288 thousand 435, who spent Q2 thousand 25 million.
In this context, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) foresees a complete recovery worldwide in 2024.
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