Guatemala's Indigenous Voices Shape Sustainable Tourism Master Plan

Guatemala's Indigenous Leaders Partner with INGUAT to Shape Sustainable Tourism Guatemala City, May 25, 2025 – In a landmark move, the Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo (INGUAT) has joined forces with indigenous and ancestral authorities to craft a sustainable tourism master plan. This unprecedented collaboration underscores a commitment to incorporating indigenous knowledge and perspectives into the future of Guatemalan tourism. The initiative, documented in a recent INGUAT video, brings together diverse voices to ensure the plan's legitimacy and sustainability. Felipe Dionisio Sac of the Movimiento NIM BE emphasizes, "Guatemala must change, but it must be with the contribution of each of us." This participatory approach aims to create a tourism model that respects indigenous cultures, territories, and traditional development practices. The video shows representatives from various indigenous communities actively participating in discussions and sharing their insights. Their involvement is not merely symbolic; it signifies a genuine effort to empower local communities and ensure their economic and cultural well-being is at the heart of tourism development. Arnold Caal, representing the Indigenous Communities of Alta Verapaz, expressed gratitude, stating, "For the first time, communities working in community tourism are being taken into account." This collaborative spirit promises a more sustainable and equitable tourism sector for Guatemala. This initiative represents a significant step towards building a more inclusive and respectful tourism industry in Guatemala, one that prioritizes both economic growth and the preservation of indigenous cultures and traditions.