Air Canada launching direct service to Guatemala City from Montreal and Toronto
Air Canada’s decision to link both Montreal and Toronto with Guatemala City has Guatemalan tourism authorities upbeat about their prospects in this country.
The carrier will begin Montreal-Guatemala service in October, followed by a Toronto-Guatemala City route in November, providing direct links between the two largest cities in this country and Guatemala’s capital. Air Canada Vacations will also have Guatemala packages showcasing the country.
“The addition of Guatemala to Air Canada Vacations’ portfolio represents a very important step forward for the country’s positioning in the Canadian market,” says the Embassy of Guatemala in Canada and Consulate General of Guatemala in Toronto. “As one of Canada’s leading tour operators, its inclusion will allow a greater number of travel agencies and consumers to have access to vacation packages to Guatemala, facilitating the planning and marketing of the destination.”
Notably, the destination believes the growing interest is resulting in increased recognition within the Canadian market.
“This interest responds to a combination of factors, including the improvement in air connectivity, the growing demand for authentic and sustainable destinations, and the joint work that Guatemala has developed with strategic partners in the Canadian tourism sector to promote the country,” a spokesperson says.
Guatemala for years promoted itself as ‘The Heart of the Maya World,’ noting that it has impressive Mayan archeological sites and other Mayan influences can be seen in the country. However that is no longer the main promotional slogan for the destination.
“In recent years, the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT) launched the campaign ‘Guatemala: New Season Available,’ a strategy aimed at presenting the country as a renewed, diverse destination capable of surprising both first-time and returning visitors,” says the Embassy. “The campaign invites you to discover ‘a new season’ of experiences, highlighting that Guatemala offers much more than its archaeological heritage. In addition to the richness of the Mayan culture, the country brings together colonial cities such as Antigua Guatemala, volcanoes, lakes, tropical jungles, outstanding gastronomy, adventure tourism and community experiences, allowing visitors to enjoy a wide diversity of attractions in a single trip.”
Among Guatemala’s tourism draws is the northern Guatemalan Maya site of Tikal, highlighted by five massive temples that rise well above the jungle canopy and located in a national park that has a huge number of Maya structures. Some argue that Tikal is the most dramatic of Mayan archeological sites, although it sees far fewer visitors than some of the Mayan sites in Mexico.
“The difference is mainly due to factors of connectivity and tourist volume,” says the Embassy of the number of visitors Tikal receives. “Tulum and Chichen Itza are located very close to Cancun and the Riviera Maya, one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, making it easy for millions of travellers to include these archeological sites in their vacations. Tikal offers a completely different experience. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is one of the most important Mayan archeological complexes in the world and is located in the heart of the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Walking among its temples surrounded by tropical jungle and observing wildlife makes the visit an immersive experience that combines history, nature and adventure in a way that is difficult to find in other destinations.”
Another popular tourist draw is Antigua Guatemala, which actually once served as the country’s capital.
“Those visiting it will find cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture in a tourism-oriented destination that has many bars, restaurants and bills itself as one of the main tourist destinations in Central America,” the representative adds. Its colonial architecture, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, together with its wide gastronomic, hotel and cultural offers, keep it among the most visited cities by international tourists.”
Another destination to visit is Livingston, found on the Caribbean coast, populated long ago by people from English-speaking Caribbean, who created their own distinct culture. Linvingston highlights include a long-standing fort.
“Livingston offers a completely different experience than the rest of the country,” reports the spokesperson. “It is the main home of Garifuna culture in Guatemala and stands out for its cultural richness, Afro-Caribbean cuisine, music and unique traditions. Likewise, its access by river, the natural environment of the Rio Dulce, the beaches of the Guatemalan Caribbean and attractions such as the Seven Altars allow visitors to enjoy exceptional natural landscapes and get to know one of the most authentic and diverse regions of the country.”
Meanwhile, Guatemala is set to make added inroads in this country.
“Guatemala is experiencing a very positive moment to strengthen its presence in the Canadian market,” says the representative. “The expansion of air connectivity, the growing interest between public institutions and the private sector are generating new opportunities to promote the country. We invite Canadian travelers to discover a diverse, authentic and welcoming destination, where it is possible to enjoy in a single trip living culture, world heritage, nature, adventure, gastronomy and the hospitality that characterizes the Guatemalan people.”
