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TOURISTGUIDE NEW TIMES GUATEMALA Enero 2013
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tourism in Guatemala, with a deep respect to the customs and traditions of ancestral peoples of the country. The WTO subscribed with Otto Pérez, President of Guatemala, a letter of commitment for a better impetus to tourism. This document describes a stronger support for sustainable and ethical tourism for the benefit of inhabitants of the communities who receive tourists in all regions of the country. In addition, Carlos Vogeler, Regional Director for the Americas of the WTO, said that despite the global crisis, tourism is still one of the driving forces to push the economy of the countries and it is renewed every day to provide better employment opportunities for all those sectors that are involved. Maru Acevedo, Deputy Director of INGUAT stated that in 2013 they will continue working with the private sector and the UNWTO in the promotion of the Master Plan for the Development of Tourism in the country and the National Policy for the Sustainable Tourism Development 2012-20122, to strengthen it as State Policy. During the visit of the directors of the WTO, it was clear that the laws issued for the tourism sector should be according to the real needs of the communities so that they can be a real development for their inhabitants.
Why should you visit Guatemala? Although they are countless, here are five reasons that make Guatemala an irresistible destination. Ancient Mayan Culture Here is the greatest legacy that the ancient Maya left. The archaeological sites are more abundant in the neighboring countries. Exhuberant Nature Guatemala has a natural wealth, not yet fully exploited. It is the perfect setting for adventure and ecotourism. Unique Peoples The living culture found in different regions includes descendants of the Maya, Xinca, and Garifuna. Knowing their customs is fascinating. Delicious Food The festivities and important dates give you the opportunity to eat different dishes. Each region of the country can surprise any palate. The Hospitality and Ingenuity of Chapines (Guatemalans) The jolliness of Guatemalans as well as their creativity is legendary. There are not few who stay to live here after living together with us for a while.
Good reviews Guatemala has always been taken into account by media and specialized publications on tourism. For example, in 2005 Guatemala was selected by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), of the United Kingdom, as the number one of the top 10 better vacation destinations of the world, in the cultural segment. Guatemala was above places as Massachusetts, EE.UU., St. Petersburg; Russia, and Berlin, Germany, among others. The program was seen by about nine millions of viewers. It was presented by the journalist Kate Thornton, who emphasized the cultural wealth
of Guatemala, in particular “The greatness of Tikal”, and when she referred to the Mayan civilization, she compared it with other great civilizations like Egyptian and Roman. On its part, the specialized magazine of National Geographic Traveler included the country in its list of the top 20 travel destinations for 2012. According to the publication, every year, countless travelers visit the remains of the Mayan culture in their major cities. “Even when it is worth seeing them, especially Tikal, it’s important to clarify that the Mayan civilization has not disappeared”, it says. Taking into account the aforementioned, it invites you to visit the Chichicastenango market on foot. “So many women shaping the tortillas at the same time sounds like a standing ovation,” describes the magazine.