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WOMEN GROW THE ECONOMY AND LOCAL TOURISM
In 2022, 18 families participated in a CECAP course on how to become a homestay host. Seven of those participants, all women, are now offering their services to local visitors! Homestays allow tourists to live, eat and learn about the local culture hand-inhand with local families.
With planned support for home infrastructure improvements and business training, Amigos will support even more families to become homestay hosts in 2023, as well as develop a digital media to advertise bookings.
INITIATIVES IN COMMUNITY -BASED TOURISM
Amigos is investing in initiatives that develop community-based tourism in Santa Cruz, providing economic opportunities to the local population while also celebrating the local Kakchiquel Mayan culture. These new initiatives include: community tourism guides and cultural experiences, homestay opportunities with local families, ‘Orgullo Cruceño’ (painting and mural project) and improvements to local hiking trails.
SO FAR..
44 graduated from CECAP’s various community-based tourism courses 2021 and 2022.
400+ visitors enjoyed the services of the Santa Cruz Jo’ Guide association.
The entire village and visiting tourists now benefit from cleaner and safer local trails and improvements to the village center.
