Amora Carbajal participates in the Sicacao Congress in Antigua Guatemala and presents the World Cocoa and Derivatives Tourist Destinations

14-08-24

On August 9 and 10, 2024, in the historic setting of Antigua Guatemala, the Sicacao event was held, a key summit for the cocoa sector in Central America. At this prestigious event, which was attended by representatives from all the countries of Central America and the Dominican Republic, Amora Carbajal, director of the World Cocoa and Derivatives Tourist Destinations Network, who was invited by the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism, had an outstanding intervention with a conference entitled "Tourist Profile in Search of Unique Experiences, Trends and Challenges. The Cocoa Route", held at the Spanish Cooperation Training Center on August 9.

Sicacao, organized by the Cocoa Committee of Central America and the Dominican Republic, has established itself as a vital meeting point for cocoa producers, marketers and promoters in the region

Diana Archila and Amora Carbajal

During the event, crucial issues related to the cultivation, processing and marketing of cocoa were discussed, as well as global trends in chocolate consumption and the importance of fair trade. Sicacao also offered a space for the exhibition of innovative products derived from cocoa and the connection between the different actors in the sector, strengthening the cocoa value chain in the region.

Amora Carbajal also had the opportunity to present the World Cocoa and Derivatives Tourist Destinations Network, and to explain the progress and objectives of this international network, which seeks to promote tourism around cocoa and its derivatives.

The Network's mission is to promote sustainable and educational tourism around cocoa. This network seeks to promote knowledge about cocoa cultivation and production, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and the vital role played by local communities in this sector. In addition, one of the pillars of the network is to support cocoa-producing communities through tourism, generating economic opportunities that contribute to local development and the well-being of the producing regions.

Amora Carbajal emphasized in his presentation that the World Cocoa and Derivatives Tourist Destinations Network not only seeks to promote tourist destinations, but also to integrate the cultural traditions and history of cocoa, offering unique gastronomic and educational experiences that connect visitors with the essence of cocoa. 

This initiative is part of a global movement that values sustainable development and respect for local cultures, fundamental aspects for tourism in the 21st century.

Ms. Carbajal emphasized at Sicacao that Guatemala is a destination with great potential for the development of cocoa tourism, thanks to its rich cultural tradition and the historical importance of this crop in the region. Guatemala's fertile lands, coupled with local communities' ancestral knowledge of cocoa cultivation and production, offer fertile ground for creating unique tourism experiences that fuse culture, history and gastronomy. 

The country is ideally positioned to attract tourists interested in immersing themselves in the authenticity of agricultural practices and the richness of cacao culture, representing a significant opportunity for sustainable tourism development.

Guatemala's potential to become a key cocoa tourism destination is immense. Its biodiversity, the richness of its land and the depth of its cocoa traditions can make it a point of reference for those seeking authentic and educational experiences. Integrating cocoa culture with tourism will not only promote international recognition of Guatemala as a tourism destination, but will also strengthen local economies, supporting the producing communities and preserving their valuable cultural heritage.

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