Guatemala promotes a new vision of sustainable tourism at the XVI National Tourism Congress 2025
An edition marked by institutional collaboration, community engagement, and the strengthening of the country's tourism model
The 16th National Tourism Congress 2025 brought together authorities, specialists, and representatives from the sector to advance the consolidation of an innovative and sustainable tourism model with strong community participation. Under the theme "Destinations with Purpose," the event served as a strategic forum to analyze current challenges, develop solutions, and renew the shared vision for tourism development in Guatemala.
The event opened with a focus on four key pillars for the transformation of the sector: governance, climate action, innovation, and trends. These lines of work defined the technical discussion and guided the exchange between national and international leaders, with the aim of strengthening the country's competitiveness and expanding opportunities for communities linked to tourism.
Among those in attendance were Harris Whitbeck, Director General of the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT); Rolando Schweikert Rozotto, President of the Guatemalan Chamber of Tourism (CAMTUR); and Fernando Suriano, Vice Minister of Transportation at the Ministry of Communications, Infrastructure, and Housing (CIV). Their participation reaffirmed the joint commitment of the government, the private sector, and local communities to promote tourism based on sustainability, competitiveness, and institutional collaboration.
One of the highlights of the Congress was the presentation of the destinations recognized by UN Tourism as Best Tourism Villages, an international distinction awarded to communities that develop responsible and authentic rural tourism models. Uaxactún and San Juan del Obispo, both recognized in 2024, along with San Cristóbal El Alto, recognized in 2025, shared their experiences and received a special tribute from CAMTUR and INGUAT.
The regional focus also featured prominently with the participation of the Central American Tourism Promotion Agency (CATA). Its Secretary General, Boris Iraheta, presented the conference “Tourism Businesses with Purpose: CATA’s 2026 Roadmap for the Private Sector,” outlining strategies to strengthen sustainable tourism, promote integrated products, and expand opportunities in the seven Central American countries and the Dominican Republic. His presentation emphasized the region’s readiness for a global landscape that demands responsibility, competitiveness, and innovation.
The 16th National Tourism Congress 2025 is solidifying its position as the leading forum for the sector in Guatemala. Through shared perspectives, new alliances, and a clear vision for the future, the event reaffirms the country's commitment to advancing a more humane, modern, and sustainable tourism model.