The Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (Inguat) called on tour guides, tour operators, travel agencies, visitors and the general population to respect the access restrictions in force in the high-risk areas around the Fuego volcano, after the dissemination of videos showing a group of people who were in danger.
He indicated that the restrictions have been established by the competent authorities, based on technical criteria of safety, prevention and civil protection, due to the high level of danger represented by approaching unauthorized areas, especially in sectors near the crater.
He stressed that entering, leading groups, promoting visits or allowing people access to restricted areas represents a direct risk to the life and integrity of visitors, guides and nearby communities.
“The Fuego volcano can register explosions, gas emissions, falls of volcanic material and other natural phenomena without prior warning,” warned Inguat.
In this sense, he urged tourist guides and those responsible for tourist groups to always prioritize the safety of the people under their charge, comply with the established perimeters and only attend to the information issued by the competent institutions.
“Adventure tourism must be carried out in a responsible, safe manner and in accordance with current provisions. No tourist, recreational or commercial activity should take precedence over the protection of life,” highlighted Inguat.
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He reiterated the call to all actors in the tourism sector to act responsibly, respect official instructions and contribute to the prevention of incidents in risk areas of the colossus. In addition, he stressed that the safety of visitors and the population is a shared responsibility.
“Insisting on climbing the Fuego volcano is irresponsible. We have warned it ad nauseam: the Fuego volcano is a high-risk area. Images are once again circulating on social networks in which people are seen putting their lives in danger,” Harris Whitbeck, director of Inguat, said on social networks.
He called for responsibility to avoid risks and respect the established restrictions. “Let’s be part of the solution and not the problem. Let’s not climb the volcanoes that are prohibited, let’s not put our lives or the lives of the first responders in danger,” he added.
The recordings show that a group of tourists was in an area near the crater when the volcano erupted. Incandescent material fell in the area where they were.