UN Tourism chief visits Guatemala to showcase its cultural and natural riches

UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais visited Guatemala to showcase its natural, cultural, and community tourism assets, aiming to boost visitor numbers and economic opportunities. During a three-day tour, she visited communities in Chimaltenango, Sacatepéquez, and Petén, met President Bernardo Arévalo, and saw sites like San Juan del Obispo, a 2024 Best Tourism Village, and Tikal. Guatemala recorded 3.36 million non-resident visitors in 2025, an 11% increase from 2024. Al Nuwais highlighted air connectivity, with 14 new flights and airlines added in two years, and community tourism as key growth areas. The visit aims to strengthen cooperation on capacity building and product development, leveraging Guatemala's 160 protected-area destinations.