The lack of definition of the date when Guatemala's borders will be reopened causes uncertainty among local entrepreneurs in the sector, which is going through one of the most severe crises due to the covid-19 outbreak.
As a result of the spread of the virus, the Guatemalan authorities suspended commercial flights and closed the borders to tourists. In addition, tourist sites were ordered to be closed and the movement of people between departments restricted.
Businessmen in Guatemala estimate that patients who visit the country with the aim of buying medical treatment will take between 9 months and a year to regain confidence in making the trip.
The sector is practically paralyzed, since due to the covid-19 outbreak worldwide, several countries have decided to close their borders and air terminals, and airlines are keeping their units on the ground.
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).
Some of the most notable effects caused by the spread of covid-19 is the cancellation of at least 8,000 hotel nights in Costa Rica, and the interruption by Iberia of its flights from Madrid to Guatemala and San Salvador.
Businessmen in the region agree that due to the virus that has been spreading from China, supply chains have been interrupted, which is combined with a drop in the transit of people, causing losses to the tourism sector.
During 2019, tourist arrivals to Guatemala increased 6% over the previous year; however, the average stay decreased slightly, from 6.63 days in 2018 to 6.56 days in 2019.
Figures from the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT) show that in 2019 2,559,599 tourists entered the country, a figure 6% higher than the 2,405,902 visitors reported in 2018.
From January to September 2019, 1.89 million visitors were registered, a figure 6% higher than that reported for the same period in 2018.
During the ninth month of the year, a total of 161,891 visitors entered, of which 70% were tourists and 30% were hikers. Compared to September 2018, there was a 5% growth. The regions that showed an increase were Central America (8%), North America (4%) and South America (2%), reported the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT).
During 2018, tourist arrivals to Guatemala reached 2.4 million and the year-on-year increase was 14%. By 2019, the number of visitors is expected to rise to 2.6 million, representing a 10% increase.
According to figures from the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), it is estimated that between 2018 and 2019, foreign exchange income in the sector will register a 2% increase, going from $1.231 million to $1.249 million.
At the end of 2018, it is projected that the tourist arrivals to the country will register an increase of 13% with respect to 2017, and the currencies generated by the sector could exceed $1.6 billion.
Authorities of the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT) reported that if the arrival of tourists increased 13% during 2018, it would be the second consecutive year that the country reports double-digit increases, since between 2016 and 2017 there was a year on year variation of 11% in the number of visitors.
During the first seven months of the year, the entry of 1.4 million tourists was reported, 13% more than the 1.2 million reported in the same period in 2017.
During the month of July, a total of 211,571 visitors passed through, of which 80% were tourists and 20% were day trippers, according to the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (Inguat).
For the 2017-2018 season, the arrival of 165,000 tourists on board 120 cruise ships is expected, which will represent an increase of 33% over the previous period.
The general director of the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (Inguat), Jorge Mario Chajon, stated that "...the current cruise season that began in September and will end next August, will be the best ever in Guatemala, both terms of the arrival of vessels, as well as the number of cruise passengers and the projected foreign exchange income. 'A total of 120 cruises will arrive during the season, which is 25% more than last year'."
It has been estimated that 2017 closed with the arrival of 2.1 million visitors to the country, 11% more than in the previous year, and foreign currency generated of more than $1.2 billion.
The Guatemalan Tourism Institute also stressed that this is the best cruise season in the history of the country, which will see 122 dockings.
In the season which began on September 16 and which will end in August 2018, the record number of 120 cruise ships is expected to arrive at the ports of Santo Tomás de Castilla, Río Dulce, Livingston and Puerto Quetzal.
From a statement issued by the Guatemalian Tourism Institute:
Guatemala, October 16, 2017.The current cruise season is marked by a series of characteristics, that make it historical.Among them, three new cruise lines will be arriving at Guatemalan coasts.In addition, the cruise lines that already travel to the country have scheduled visits by eight cruise ships which will stop at the ports for the first time.And, the most outstanding thing is that a record historical figure has been set for Guatemala, with the arrival of a total of 120 boats in the current season.The projected contribution to the economy from foreign exchange earnings is over $7 million.
Between January and June 1.7 million tourists visited the country, almost 4% more than in the same period last year, generating revenues of $772 million.
From a statement issued by the Government of Guatemala:
Guatemala July 21, 2015. The beauty of Guatemala continues to enthrall foreigners, which is reflected in a positive growth in tourist arrivals to the country from January to June, and in the generation of foreign exchange.
Although major hotel brands claim not to be affected, the growing supply of houses and apartments for short stays, is forcing hotels to change their methods of attracting guests in order to survive.
Airbnb, VRBO and Homeaway are just some of the countless websites where owners rent their houses or apartments to tourists, who increasingly opt for this alternative to conventional hotels worldwide, and Central America is no exception.