Travellers to Guatemala gain new air links and a Quiché trail network

Guatemala is stepping up efforts to attract international events and broaden what it offers travellers, Tourism Minister Harris Whitbeck said at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Malta. He pointed to the country's new WTTC membership, growing air connectivity and fresh event infrastructure, and previewed a community-based tourism project showcasing Mayan heritage.

Key facts

• November: launch of The Path of Time, the first section of an accessible trail network in Quiché
• Next year: Guatemala hosts two international events, including the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Board of Governors meeting
• 2028: Guatemala is scheduled to host the World Sugar Industry Congress
• 15 new international routes have already been established, with at least two more long-haul connections expected next year
• Two arenas under construction in Guatemala City will together hold over 20,000 seats

What new attractions are planned?

In November, Guatemala will launch The Path of Time, the first section of a network of accessible trails in the department of Quiché. The region is central to Mayan civilisation and still preserves many expressions of contemporary Mayan culture.

The tours will cover ancestral spirituality, gastronomy, crafts and textiles. Whitbeck said the aim is not only to create a tourism product but to open development opportunities for communities that have not had access to this kind of activity. Quiché is one of Guatemala's most culturally rich departments but also among its poorest, and the minister said community-led tourism, backed by government and the private sector, could support its development.

What events is Guatemala hosting?

Guatemala hosted the Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony last year. Next year it will host two international events, including the IDB Board of Governors meeting, and it is scheduled to host the World Sugar Industry Congress in 2028.

Two large arenas for entertainment and sport are under construction in Guatemala City and will together have over 20,000 seats. The privately driven projects are intended to position the capital as a leading centre for such activities in Mesoamerica, and are already drawing interest in the city and new hotel projects linked to international brands.

Whitbeck said Guatemala has raised the idea of hosting an international event of the scale of the WTTC summit, though no decision has been announced.

How is air connectivity developing?

Visitor arrivals continue on an upward trend, according to the minister. Guatemala's airline attraction programme has produced 15 new international routes so far, and the country expects to announce at least two additional long-haul connections next year. Whitbeck said the next step is encouraging investment to expand the range of hotel products and support growth in connectivity and demand.

What this means for travellers

Travellers planning a trip can look for the new Quiché trail experiences from November, and can expect more flight options as new routes come online. No specific routes, airlines or opening dates for the trails have been announced.

Guatemala will next promote the destination at World Travel Market (WTM) in London, where it plans a prominent presence and two publications developed with British publishers, followed by Barcelona and other industry events.