With the aim of identifying new investment opportunities in Tourist infrastructurehe Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE) approved one Non -refundable technical cooperation by US $ 50 thousand To develop a diagnosis that analyzes options for Transportation between La Aurora International Airport and Antigua Guatemala.
The initiative, promoted by the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (Inguat)seeks to strengthen the mobility of tourists and improve connectivity between one of the main entrance points to the country and the colonial city, one of the most visited destinations in Guatemala.
This project is part of the commitment of BCIE with the economic and tourist development of the region, in addition to contributing to the Sustainable Development Objective (SDGs) to promote sustainable cities and communities by accessing Ashequible and efficient transport systems.
As planned, the approved resources will be administered and executed directly by the BCIE, which will hire a Specialized consulting to carry out the corresponding technical studies.
What is the project?
The proposal presented contemplates analyzing different transport alternatives to facilitate the transfer of passengers between the La Aurora Airport and Antigua Guatemalaamong which the idea of implementing a panoramic cable carwhich would offer a sustainable, agile and attractive travel experience for both tourists and residents.
Behind this initiative is the Austrian company Doppelmayrrecognized internationally for operating similar systems in different cities in the world, and currently responsible for the project of the Guatemala City Aerometer.
Recent Project Advances
The past January 10during the Mobility Business Forum made in Antigua Guatemalathe first details of the possible cable carwhich seeks to position itself as an innovative solution to decongest the main access routes to the colonial city.
Subsequently, the February 8the Ministry of Planning and Programming of the Presidency (Segeplán) Green light gave cooperation to execute the first stage of project analysis, focused on studying the viability of a mass transport system towards Antigua Guatemala.
What will this phase evaluate?
The consultancy commissioned by the BCIE will have an approximate duration of six months and will cover technical visits and work tables with key entities, such as Ministry of Communications, Infrastructure and Housing (CIV) and the municipalities of Guatemala, Mixco and Antigua Guatemalaamong other relevant actors in the sector.
In case of obtaining favorable results at this preliminary stage, among the deliverables at the end of the consulting, they must deliver the elaboration of the Terms of reference to hire deeper studies, such as prefactability and demandnecessary to evaluate the integral viability of the project.
Why bet on Antigua Guatemala?
Considered one of the most emblematic and visited destinations in the country, Antigua Guatemala currently faces important challenges regarding Urban mobilityespecially for the high influx of national and international tourists who visit their historic center.
To maintain their tourist competitiveness and improve the experience of visitors, transport solutions that are not only efficient, but also respectful of the heritage and environmental environment are required.
In that sense, cooperation of BCIE It will allow to develop a technical diagnosis that will analyze key factors such as the legal and institutional conditions of the project, the strategic connection points, the best available technologies and the financial, environmental and operational viability of a solution of a solution of Sustainable transport between him La Aurora International Airport and Antigua Guatemala.
With this first step, Guatemala advances towards the modernization of its tourist infrastructure, betting on alternatives that strengthen the country’s economic development and raise the quality of services offered to visitors.