Estela Rosales appointed National Coordinator of the World Network in Guatemala
12-01-25
Guatemala, with its vast cultural and spiritual heritage, consolidates its position as a reference in religious tourism with the recent appointment of Estela Rosales as National Coordinator of the World Religious and Spiritual Tourism Destinations Network. This achievement highlights Rosales' trajectory and contributions to the development and promotion of religious tourism both locally and internationally.
With a career that began in 1993 as a transporter for the senior segment, Estela Rosales has evolved into a leader in the tourism sector. Initially trained as a Graphic Design Technician, her passion for tourism led her to study to become a General Tour Guide in Guatemala and to complete a Diploma in “Total Quality Development in Tourism Companies” at the Anahuac University in Mexico. In 1995, she founded TESSA Tours, a company that has since established itself as a boutique tour operator and tour wholesaler.
Throughout his career, Rosales has stood out for his dedication to religious tourism. It has promoted emblematic events and destinations in Guatemala such as Holy Week, the Lord of Esquipulas, Corpus Christi, the month of the Rosary, All Saints' Day and the festivities in honor of Saint Brother Pedro de Betancourt, among others. Recently, it has incorporated new proposals such as the route of the “Martyrs of Guatemala and El Salvador”, enriching the spiritual tourism offer of the country.
Rosales' interest in religious tourism began in 2001, when he organized his first international pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This event marked the beginning of an ongoing commitment to evangelization through meaningful experiences for pilgrims. Since then, he has designed international routes such as Divine Mercy, Marian Shrines, Eucharistic Miracles, Promised Land, In the Footsteps of St. Paul and Iberian Shrines, all focused on offering unique and spiritual experiences.
Under his leadership, TESSA Tours has achieved important recognitions. The company is registered with the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT) as a tour operator for Guatemala and Central America, and since 2022 has been part of the International Network of Religious Tourism (REDITUR). This year, TESSA Tours was also incorporated into the World Religious and Spiritual Tourism Destinations Network, an achievement that consolidates its influence in the sector.
Rosales assumes this new role with enthusiasm and determination. “Guatemala has immense potential to stand out in religious tourism worldwide. Our cultural and spiritual richness offers unique experiences that not only strengthen faith, but also promote sustainable and meaningful tourism development,” he said during his appointment. He also announced that he is working on the creation of the Guatemala Religious Tourism Network, an initiative aimed at uniting efforts among local stakeholders to position the country as a world-class religious destination.
Rosales' vision is not only limited to the economic development of the tourism sector, but also to the cultural and spiritual strengthening of local communities. Her experience and commitment ensure that this segment continues to grow sustainably and benefit both travelers and host communities.
The appointment of Estela Rosales as National Coordinator marks an important milestone in the history of religious tourism in Guatemala. With her leadership, it is expected that the country will continue to consolidate its position as a key destination for pilgrims and travelers interested in profound spiritual experiences.
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