Guatemala | Advancing in the Process’ Second Phase of Updating the Sustainable Tourism Masterplan 2026 - 2036

Guatemala is advancing in the process’ second phase of updating the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan 2026 - 2036 that seeks to become a national roadmap, adopted to each territory, to transform tourism into an effective tool, for social, economic and environmental development, creating a model under principles of inclusion, sustainability and territorial equity.

This initiative, promoted by the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT) with the technical support of UN Tourism, the United Nation,s agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism seeks to strengthen participatory planning at the national level through meetings with various sectors that contribute to tourism development from the local level. 

With the aim of building a fairer, more resilient and environmetlly responsible tourism model, this update takes into account for the first time the representation of ancestral peoples as support to improve the conditions for the development of the country’s tourism product, taking into account that 40% of tourism in Guatemala is cultural, according to figures presented by INGUAT.

A stage took place from July 7 to 18 characterized by a participatory methodology that covers all departments. 

During this phase Participatory Strategic Training Workshops were protagonists with key tourism actors working together to define the local and national tourism vision, establishing the strategic positioning of the country as a destination and determine priority tourism programs for the next decade.

For the first time in the history of Guatemalan tourism, host communities and traditionally marginalized sectors are actively participating in the design of a strategic plan. Previously these roadmaps were drawn up mainly by public institutions and private companies, without real construction from the territories. 

This methodology seeks to recognize the cultural and natural diversity of the country as the basis of tourism development, allowing weawers, artisans, indigenous authorities and small entrepreneurs to contribute their vision of tourism and what they concretely need in their regions.

This space for analysis will contribute to the to the construction of medium and long - term public policies that promote responsible investments, community projects and public - private partnerships in the tourism sector.

The Process’ Second Phase of Updating of the Masterplan  includes four phases : 

•    The first phase, developed between April and May, consisted of territorial analysis and workshops to diagnose the situation of tourism in each department.
•    The second phase is currently formulating local and sectoral strategies. 
•    The third phase with the implementation model will be defined soon.
•    The fourth phase in December 2025 will focus on the final results that will be presented for official approvals.

This inter - institutional effort reaffirms INGUAT’s commitment to a more decentralized, fair, culturally respectful and environmentally responsible tourism model, which boosts the local economy and raises the quality of life of communities.

Link
https://agn.gt/inguat-inicia-segunda-fase-del-plan-maestro-de-turismo-sostenible-2026-2036/