García & Bodán

Tourism Investment in Guatemala

In June of this year, a legislative initiative to promote investment in tourism infrastructure will be presented to the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala. This proposal will be presented by members of the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economy, Superintendence of Tax Administration (SAT, by its acronyms in Spanish) and the Tourism Commission of the Congress.

Currently, the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT, by its acronyms in Spanish) has sought to promote national and foreign investment for the development of sustainable tourism and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage, specifically in the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Additionally, the Government of Guatemala intends to maintain several rural roads, as well as cleaning and signaling.

As part of this promotion to national investment, in March of this year was carried out “IMPULSA”, the program for the promotion and development of sustainable tourism in protected areas through the search of alternative ways of doing business. This program works through bidding for entrepreneurs who operate in these areas and those selected receive a capital contribution to continue with their projects.

In the foreign investment sector, Frank Rainieri, a highly recognized entrepreneur in the tourism sector, founder and president of the “Punta Cana” group, will visit Guatemala with interest in making investments in the tourism sector of the country. The business group is specifically interested in making investments and negotiations regarding the “Mundo Maya” airport, located in Petén. The idea is to facilitate the negotiation of the entrance of different airlines to Guatemala for them to make trips to said airport.

 Ma. Mercedes Castro
Managing Director
García & Bodán
Guatemala