Tourism continues to be Guatemala’s top industry

The Guatemalan leisure industry goes on to be the country’s number-one economic sector with over $612 million worth of revenues in 2003, official sources reportedly said.

Felipe Miranda, head of the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT) said in a press conference that the national tourism strategy was successful this year, yet growth will barely reach 5 percent this time around compared to the numbers posted in 2002.

The only sector that does travel one better in term of earnings is money remittances sent by nationals living in the United States to their relatives in the Central American nation, with figures in the neighborhood of $2 billion this year.

Actions to beef up the sector –Mr. Miranda explained- will zero in on luring cruise passengers, advertising the country in specialized fairs and tradeshows, and offering destinations for specialized trippers seeking adventures, sports and nature.

“We need to count on a national tourism policy unlinked to governmental issues. We want it to be a state issue with a view to draw more travelers and make benefits for this industry grow larger and larger,” Mr. Miranda pointed out.

Guaranteeing travelers’ safety and security continues to be a top priority for Guatemalan authorities. Nearly two dozen police officers will be dispatched to the Dominican Republic to receive special training.

Mr. Miranda noted goals in this particular field are focused on opening a Tourism Police Academy in Guatemala whose graduates could be fluent in several languages and be prepared to show trekkers what sightseeing locations the country has to offer.