January 2018 – The Guatemalan Tourism Board, INGUAT, has joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) as a national member.
INGUAT (Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo) is the national superior authority in the tourism sector that develops the promotion, advertising, and sustainability practices of tourism industry through the specific legal guidelines from Guatemala’s Government. Its mission is to strengthen and diversify the tourism products and services according to the land use planning of tourism areas in Guatemala.
INGUAT also encourages the implementation of quality and sustainable criteria through the certification systems “Sello Q” and “Sello Q Verde” that have been established in the Master Plan of Sustainable Tourism, Guatemala 2015-2025.
“We are very pleased to welcome the Guatemalan Tourism Board to GSTC,” says Luigi Cabrini, GSTC Chair. “Becoming a GSTC member involves taking a pledge to adhere to the GSTC Criteria — as an important step to follow universal sustainability principles in the management and development of their tourism. We are glad that the Guatemalan Tourism Board is using the GSTC Criteria in policy development and operational planning.”
“Having spent three years in Guatemala working for the United Nations, I am personally aware of the great potential of the country as a sustainable destination!” adds Mr. Cabrini.
“INGUAT has manifested its commitment to sustainable tourism,” says MBA Jorge Mario Chajón, INGUAT Director. “Being part of GSTC’s global network, our institution is playing a critical role in advancing the mission of promoting sustainable tourism practices around the world, helping to protect the natural and cultural resources of the country for sustainable development.”
“In addition, we are committed to work and have a positive impact by contributing to the GSTC’s mission, working with national and international associations, to improve sustainable tourism practices,” adds Mr. Chajón.
GSTC encourages destinations pursuing sustainability practices in development and management of tourism, to join as GSTC members and apply the GSTC Destination Criteria, which eventually can lead to being certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.
