The new authorities in charge of INGUAT have as their main objective to position Guatemala as one of the three favorite destinations in Latin America, and the most memorable destination in the region.
INGUAT's strategic plan for the period 2024-2028 includes the promotion of alliances with communities and local governments, entrepreneurs, tourism operators and public-private initiatives to generate better infrastructure such as airports and roads. In addition to permanent dialogue and cooperation with all sectors involved in tourism.
The new administration recognizes the value of tourism as one of the engines of economic development, to attract investment, generate quality jobs, boost the service sector and create conditions that allow the prosperity of communities that depend on tourism. .
“Today, joining the INGUAT team as its director allows me to serve my country, bringing our best stories to the world and thus promote development through tourism to all corners of Guatemala,” said Whitbeck after being sworn in today by the morning.
Deputy director Ericka Guillermo also commented, “Grateful for the opportunity to work with a team of professionals with whom we will do our best to guarantee sustainable tourism for Guatemala.”
Harris Whitbeck
He earned a Bachelor's degree in International Studies from Washington College, Chestertown, and a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University, New York.
Journalist and international correspondent with more than 30 years of experience in different news and documentary networks such as CNN International, Discovery Channel, Al Jazeera, CGTN News Network (China Global Television Network).
He has developed professionally as a member of the board of directors of the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala on the Sololá campus and of the Guatemalan - American Institute (IGA), founding partner of the digital newspaper Nómada and was an active member of the Guatemalan Chamber of Tourism (CAMTUR). ).
He was also founder and director of Pintando el Cambio, a community art initiative in the Lake Atitlán basin, Sololá, aimed at strengthening civic, entrepreneurship and community organization skills in indigenous peoples.
He has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Silver Baton from Dupont-Columbia University, as well as multiple Emmy nominations and National Headliner Awards for his journalism. He has also published two books: The trade of narrating without fear (Editorial Planeta México, 2021) and Guatemala Inédita (Villegas Editores, 2006).
Ericka Guillermo
He obtained a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership - Universidad San Pablo de Guatemala. She has a degree in Marketing with an emphasis in International Trade from the Rafael Landívar University of Guatemala and a specialization in International Marketing at the Carl Duisberg Gesellschaft in Germany.
More than 20 years of experience in direction and management in public sector institutions: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT) and private businesses: Technical Institute of Training and Productivity (INTECAP), Guatemalan Association of Exporters (AGEXPORT), Chamber of Tourism of Guatemala (CAMTUR), Foundation for the Development of Guatemala (FUNDESA).
She has also been a planner and executor of projects, in areas of marketing and commercialization of services, competitiveness and tourism. She was part of the team for the formulation of the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan 2015-2025, as well as its implementation from the Competitiveness unit and the Executive Committee of INGUAT. She is a university professor, high-performance team building, lecturer, and quality systems auditor. She has experience in export promotion of products and services, with specialization in the tourism sector since 2008.
Source: INGUAT.