Mario R. Maldonado Samayoa

Mario Roberto Maldonado Samayoa is a Guatemalan historian and cultural manager who holds a PhD in History from the Autonomous University of Zacatecas and a Master’s degree in Cultural and Heritage Management from Rafael Landívar University. He is a founding member of CICOP Guatemala and has built an outstanding career in the conservation, research, restoration, and management of cultural heritage. He has also received training in creative industries, tourism, urban planning, and project management.

Throughout his career, he has held senior positions, including Vice Minister of Cultural and Natural Heritage of Guatemala, Permanent Representative of Guatemala to UNESCO, and board member of cultural and environmental institutions. He has led the preparation of nomination dossiers for UNESCO World Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage listings, including Takalik Abaj, Lake Atitlán, and Holy Week in Guatemala.

In addition, he has worked as a consultant, lecturer, and author of books and specialized articles. He received the National Order of Cultural Heritage and other distinctions in recognition of his contributions. He currently coordinates the Religious Tourism Network for Guatemala and Central America and serves as the regional representative of the Tourism and Society Think Tank.