Insecurity and the economic crisis in Europe are the reasons that only the site of Tikal is maintaining its usual flow of visitors.
Even though from June to August is the peak season for tourism in Europe and North America, operators in the sector have reported a decrease in the number of visitors, especially in the regions of Tikal, Peten, Guatemala Antigua, Sacatepequez, and Panajachel, Solola.
B'aktunes has been launched, a package tour to commemorate the Mayan change of era, which occurs on the solstice in December 2012.
According to the Mayan tradition, after the thirteenth baktun, (5125 years in Western culture), comes the end of the current fourth world in which we live.
This has given the date an apocalyptic interpretation, which will serve to increase tourist interest in Guatemala in December 2012.
To attract tourists, the Tourism Chamber launched the "South Coast more vibrant than ever" campaign.
The South Coast, one of the most damaged by natural disasters hitting the country this year, suffered a 50% decrease in tourism.
According to Sigloxxi.com, part of the promotion is an agreement between Escuintla subsidiary of the Chamber of Commerce of Guatemala (CCG) and y Marhnos (company in charge of monitoring and maintaining the Pacific highway), "... which aims to 'encourage' tourists to travel to this region and with demonstrating they paid toll, they will get discounts on purchases at affiliated companies."
Tourists and Panamanian residing abroad take advantage of Europe's summer vacations, July and August, to visit the country.
Spanish airline Iberia has already restarted its fifth weekly flight Madrid-Panama, a route that was suspended through April and May. The airline reports 78% occupation in July, and is forecasting 86% for August.
Gloria Clavel, Iberia Panamá manager, was quoted in Prensa.com as saying: "These are very good months, in terms of occupation, because relatives living there visit those living here and vice versa. Additionally, more tourist arrive because of the summer."