Guatemala appoints tourism authorities for the 2024-2028 period

20-01-24

• The authorities emphasized that their objective is to contribute to the promotion and positioning of Guatemala.

Today, Harris Whitbeck was sworn in as general director and Ericka Guillermo as deputy general director of the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (Inguat).

The Secretary General of the Presidency, Juan Gerardo Guerrero Garnica, on behalf of the President, was in charge of appointing those who will be in charge of the tourism institution during the period 2024-2028.

According to the institution, the new authorities have emphasized that their objective is to contribute to the positioning of Guatemala as one of Latin America's favorite destinations and the most memorable destination in the region.

This administration intends to implement the 2024-2028 strategic plan, which includes the promotion of partnerships with communities and local governments, entrepreneurs, tourism operators and public-private initiatives.

The above, in search of improvements in tourism infrastructure such as airports and highways. In addition, it is intended to create spaces for dialogue and permanent cooperation with tourism sectors.

The plans also include recognizing the value of tourism as an engine for economic development, attracting investment, generating quality jobs and creating conditions that allow the prosperity of communities that depend on tourism.

Inguat's director, Harris Whitbeck, has a B.A. in International Studies from Washington College and an M.A. in Journalism from Columbia University, New York.

He is a journalist and international correspondent with more than 30 years of experience. He has served as a board member of the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala's Sololá campus and the Instituto Guatemalteco Americano. In addition, he was a founding member of the digital newspaper Nómada and an active member of the Guatemalan Chamber of Tourism.

As for Undersecretary Ericka Guillermo, she has a master's degree in Organizational Leadership from the Universidad San Pablo de Guatemala and a bachelor's degree in Marketing with emphasis in International Trade. In addition, she has a specialization in International Marketing from Carl Duisberg Gesellschaft in Germany.

He also has more than 20 years of experience in leadership and management in public sector institutions, including Inguat, Intecap, Agexport, Camtur and Fundesa.