Q & A with Gabriela Alvarez, International Fair Coordinator for the Guatemala Tourism Institute

Europe is one of Guatemala’s top outbound markets, doling out an array of great offers among visitors from the Old World, including archeological sites, fishing, birdwatching, religious and cultural tourism, modern and colonial cities and a whole lot more.

Q.- What are Guatemala’s perspectives for 2007 as to the European market, more specifically the Spanish niche?
A.- We’re determined to increasing the amount of European tourists toward Guatemala. Make no mistakes about it; Europe is one of our top-priority markets, therefore we’re advertising many of the segments those visitors could enjoy in our country, like archeological sites, fishing, birdwatching, religious and cultural tourism, modern and colonial cities and many other choices Guatemala has to offer.

Q.- What are Guatemala’s main outbound markets?
A.- Europe, the U.S., Canada and Asia.

Q.- In the case of Europe, what countries are those?
A.- Spain, Germany, Italy and UK.

Q.- From an economic standpoint, what does Guatemala expect its travel industry to achieve in 2007?
A.- We’re seeking to get a steady cash flow into the country. I think we’ve been able to surpass the goals we’d set for 2006.

Q.- Are there any new investments going on in Guatemala?
A.- We’re building some new hotels and tour operators are pitching a hand in terms of investment of foreign capital in the country.

Q.- Is there any special budget earmarked for international campaigns?
A.- Sure, there’s a budget controlled by the Marketing Division and that it’s used for attendance to international fairs and tradeshows, as well as for promotional and advertisement efforts in all mass media.

Q.- Would you like to send a message to those tourism professionals who read our newsletter?
A.- I’d like them to visit Guatemala for a closer look at all the richness and diversity the country has to offer.