During FITUR we chatted with Carolina Briones, CATA General Secretary, to learn about the objectives and future of the Central American Tourism Promotion Agency.
Could you tell me about CATA's participation in such an important event?
As always, FITUR has been one of the most important events for the entire region. CATA works with the seven countries of Central America and also with the Dominican Republic, which is a very attractive complement to the region's product. All the countries, the eight countries, have had a very full agenda. Guatemala has been the official sponsor of the fair, with that its activity and its agenda is even stronger, and the Dominican Republic has also been a cup sponsor. However, all the countries have come to work coordinating their small events. Yesterday we had a toast where the transfer of the presidency of the Dominican Republic, which is the outgoing presidency, was officially made and it is being handed over to Belize, who now becomes our highest authority on the Central American Tourism Council and the CATA Board of Directors. With that he means that they come to lead the regional tourism agenda for the next six months. Belize definitely joins CATA and comes with a greater participation than even previous years. That tells you the effort and commitment of the countries.
Every year is different, what is the challenge of 2023 for you?
For us to recover as we were by 2019. All the countries have shown the percentages of growth they have had even compared to 2020. Between 80 and 90 percent growth compared to the previous year, so our commitment is to continue betting on it to promotion, keep sending positive messages. In fact, I believe that we now have to think forward, not backwards. That is the philosophy of CATA. We have to tell people "here we are." We are preparing campaigns to bring in digital nomads, to continue promoting the sense in Central America that we are regions with ancestral civilizations, original peoples, with the most powerful nature and that we are truly an exceptional destination. We cannot take our finger off the line or let ourselves be defeated by anything,
What other events are coming up?
Among the most important markets is Spain, which is why we are at FITUR. Participation in the IBTM in Berlin also comes, organizing events to strengthen the sector at an intra-regional level. Organize in Central America more Dominican Republic Innovation Tours on Top that we are going to do in the region and we are going to invite tour operators to meet, but also strengthen the activity.