New health and hygiene protocols in the establishments and the commitment to attract national tourists in an environment where short trips will be preferred, are some of the trends predicted in the new "normality" that will come after the quarantine period.
Given the quarantines decreed by most governments worldwide, it is anticipated that the habits of tourists will change dramatically in the short and medium term, as the crisis of covid-19 will leave consequences among consumers.
After the outbreak of covid-19, the government decided that as of March 15 the Yaxhá and El Mirador national parks in Petén, and the Semuc Champey Natural Monument in Alta Verapaz would be closed to the public.
According to the provisions made by the President of the Republic of Guatemala, Alejandro Giammattei and inter-institutional coordination with government entities, as a measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus covid-19, the decision was made to close several tourist sites, reported the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP).
In 2016 tour operators handled the arrival of 58,000 tourists who spent an average of $140 per day, and also provided their services to another 66,000 visitors who arrived on their own.
According to the study "Impact of Tour Operators in the Development of Tourism in Nicaragua", prepared by the American University (UAM) and the National Chamber of Tourism of Nicaragua (Canatur) " ...
A delegation of tourism entrepreneurs led by the owner of Air Europa are in Managua to explore business opportunities with the government and local companies.
The entrepreneurs who make up the group represent companies linked to the tourism sector, such as the airline Air Europa, tour operators and others. Representatives from the government explained to Elnuevodiario.com.ni that the businessmen "... are going to meet with the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism, aeronautical authorities and ProNicaragua."
Throughout the rest of the year Guatemala will take part in 39 tourist fairs in Europe, South America and the United States.
The aim of the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (Inguat) is to strengthen marketing and promotion of the country as a tourist destination in the markets that traditionally have been the main emitters of tourists to Guatemala.
At the tourism fair to be held on May 11 and 12 it is expected that 5000 business meetings will take place between local businessmen and 290 representatives of 200 wholesalers from 34 countries.
The 32nd Expotur, Costa Rica's main tourism exchange forum, will be held from May 11 to 12 this year at the Centro Kölbi Viva Park in La Guacima, Alajuela.
The average european tourist plans trips less than a year in advance and searches and books tour packages via the internet, without using intermediaries.
A study by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute to identify best prospectsfound that"... generally Europeans decide on their holiday destination less than a year in advance and in most cases organize their trips independently i.e., without using intermediaries. It was also found that the most used methods of finding information include recommendations from friends, search engines and online travel agencies and websites promoting the destinations.
In 2016, 19,586 meetings were held with 1.2 million participants, 695 thousand hotel rooms were occupied and an estimated economic turnover of $1 billion was generated.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute:
Guatemala April 5, 2017.With the objective of finding out the significance of the segment for Meetings, Incentives trips, Conferences and Events, (MICE), the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism, INGUAT, disseminated the results of a study that measured, among other subjects, the contribution in consumption in the tourist industry and in other economic activities, as well as in the generation of jobs.
From June 9th to 10th local tourism businesses will be meeting with 50 wholesalers from the United States, Europe and South America, to explore business opportunities.
The International Tourism Fair will be held at the Convention Center Olof Palme, on June 9 and 10.
Lucy Valenti, president of Canatur, told Elnuevodiario.com.ni that"...
From June 19 to 23 companies working in convention tourism will be meeting in Antigua with international buyers and suppliers in order to develop business opportunities.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute:
Guatemala January 26, 2017.The Guatemalan Tourism Institute, INGUAT together with the Convention Bureau of Guatemala, announced that the City of Antigua Guatemala will host the Latin America Meetings and Incentives Travel Exchange, Lamite, from June 19 to 23.
Viajes El Corte Ingles will be selling tourism products in El Salvador in its sales network in Spain and carrying out a promotional campaign from March 15 to October 31.
The agreement aims to increase the number of Spanish tourists visiting the country, which in 2015 was around 20,000. The promotion will be done through the marketing channels of the agency and will be reinforced by a campaign that will run until October 31, 2015.
In light of the announcement of a campaign to promote tourism in Nicaragua "through embassies and consulates," entrepreneurs are recommending the utilization of professional methods.
Tourism entrepreneurs believe that the "Pride of my country" campaign is insufficient to achieve the impact required to Nicaragua as an important tourist destination in the region.
From the February 27 the tourism promotion program Stop Over, which allows passengers with connections of between 5 and 48 hours to leave the airport will operates without charging additional fees.
From a statement issued by the Ministry of Tourism of El Salvador (MITUR):
The Minister of Tourism, Lic. Jose Napoleon Duarte Duran officially launched the Stop Over project exempting transit passengers traveling in the Oscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport and Galdámez, in order to promote tourism in the country for up to 48 hours.
The Spanish company Pullmantur has announced that the ship Zenith, with capacity for 1800 passengers, will begin docking in Panama from December this year.
From a statement issued by the Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP):
The Spanish tourism group Pullmantur said on Thursday that the company is committed to cruise tourism in Panama, so will soon allocate another ship for Panama's important marine tourism circuit.
The Central Rail Summit 2015 will be held in El Salvador, from May 13th to 15th, where it is expected that 15 corporations from the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association will be involved.
The Salvadoran Chamber of Tourism (CASATUR) hopes to have the participation of 30 union members who will be publicizing various tour packages offered by shipping lines.