Violence Rattles Guatemala’s Tourism

The spiraling wave of violent crimes sweeping Guatemala has unfortunately drifted into the country’s travel industry. A recent press report published by local newspaper Prensa Libre indicates the administration of President Oscar Berger is bent on thwarting crime against both nationals and foreigners, a situation that has been getting worse off in recent weeks.

The press report bitterly warns that authorities in the U.S., the Netherlands, Spain, Italy and the U.K. have issued travel advisories to their nationals who intend to visit Guatemala, a country whose travel industry accounts for one of its top income sources.

Prensa Libre suggests that in addition to heightened security, local authorities should embark on an international information campaign to target those countries that have issued travel warns to their nationals. “We must let would-be visitors rest assured that Guatemala is working on their safety and security. Either way, we have to get down on it now,” the local newspaper concludes.