The tourism sector expects mixed behavior in the influx of visitors to different destinations during the weekend, after the effects and remnants of Storm Cristina and the forecast that the rain will continue these days.
The country is currently in the low season for external and internal tourism, and the latter is expected to become more dynamic towards the end of June, due to the mid-year school holidays and the long break for the Army Day holiday.
However, as that period arrives, the sector reflects effects due to rain conditions this week, mainly on the south and southeast coastderived from the Storm Cristina, which was later downgraded to a tropical depression. In addition, an increase in waves was experienced.
Rolando Schweikert Rozotto, president of the Guatemala Chamber of Tourism (Camtur), indicated that during the week hotels and restaurants reported that they were worried not only about the rain, but also about the increase in waves, which is why they were receiving cancellation or rescheduling of reservations. This included affected areas of beaches in Las Lisas (Chiquimulilla) and Monterrico (Taxisco), in Santa Rosa, located in the southeast, as well as the part of the southern coast in Puerto San José, Iztapa and others nearby, the manager mentioned.
Reservation cancellations and rescheduling also include dates for this weekend, he added. Although they said they had reports about it, they did not have exact data.
The storm was downgraded to a depression, but it was reported that the rains will continuewhich affects the tourism sector and the road conditions also influence, mainly during the winter season, said the executive.
Retalhuleu and surrounding areas
Carlos Rezzio, president of the Local Tourism Board Guatemagicalin coordination with the Retalhuleu Tourism Association (Asotur), explained that the weather conditions and the approaching storm affected the arrival of visitors during the week.
Rezzio agreed with the Camtur manager that they consider that the influx may decrease during the weekend, because, although the storm deteriorated, it was predicted that it would continue to rain.
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In the case of the parks and hostels of the Irtra de Retalhuleureservations for this weekend are full and no cancellations have been received, while the rain has already subsided, indicated Jorge Mario Chajón, advisor to the office of the Workers’ Recreation Institute of the Private Company of Guatemala (Irtra), so they have good expectations.
Meanwhile, Rezzio added that they hope the weather improves and attendance picks up, because they have already started receiving reservations for the mid-year school vacation period, after June 15. Furthermore, he considers that it will have a positive influence that It will be possible to travel on the new Xochi highway, which reduces transfer time.
He explained that during the week the incidences of rain were more marked in the San Marcos area, on Ocós beach, which was invaded by garbage dragged by the rivers. However, no problem of this nature has arisen on Champerico beach.
In the latter, he indicated that the influx of tourists has decreased, mainly due to the problems of blocking the road due to a demonstration, since, after a situation like this, no visitors arrive for two or three days.
Work also continues on the sinkhole at kilometer 189 of the Cito-Zarco route, which, according to Rezzio, the authorities informed them that they expect it to be ready by mid-July.
Activity at Acatenango volcano
On the other hand, to ascend and take tours to the Acatenango volcano, prevention measures were taken during the week due to weather conditions, such as rain, thunderstorms and low temperatures. The companies that provide these services activated their protocols and informed people that it was not advisable to go up, said the Camtur manager.
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In this regard, Geovanni Aldana, manager of the tour operator firm Direct Adventure, mentioned that they serve several tourism segments, including activities on the Acatenango volcano in two modalities: hiking and 4×4 tour.
However, for said volcano they had several activities canceled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, mainly due to the weather, since, due to the height, the conditions are very humid and, due to the rain, there is quite a risk. In addition, the temperature drops considerably, especially during the early morning.
He explained that they monitored the weather and, as a preventive measure, applied the protocols and canceled the walking activities. In the case of the 4×4 modality, the farm that authorizes the permits reported that the weekend activities may possibly be cancelled, because, due to the weather, the road is very muddy, which complicates circulation in the area and increases the risk.
The firm he directs would serve 14 people these days, but the activities were rescheduled. Each company handles a different number of visitors, since, in the case of your firm, most of the services are private, but there are other companies that are dedicated to providing collective services.
Weather for the weekend
According to the Insivumeh forecast, For Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, rainy conditions will continue in the national territory. Foggy areas are also expected in the early morning and at night, as well as a warm and humid environment during the day.
The rains forecast for this weekend and next week are associated with local conditions, low pressure systems and the passage or approach of waves from the east, although this varies by region.