AGP Executive Report

Tourism Growth Watch: A new WTTC outlook says Central and South America are set to outpace the world in 2026 tourism growth, with the region’s travel output rising faster than global averages and overseas spending widening the gap. Coolcation Demand: Travel And Tour World’s 2026 “coolcation” ranking highlights Guatemala among the Americas’ best cooler-weather escapes, pointing to rising interest in nature-led trips as heat drives destination choices. New Air Links to Guatemala: United Airlines is adding a year-round nonstop from Houston to Tuxtla Gutiérrez (Chiapas) and, separately, Avianca is launching/expanding Guatemala–San Francisco service for World Cup travel flows. Caribbean Connectivity Boom: BermudAir’s big winter expansion adds routes to Belize and Turks & Caicos and includes new service to Guatemala City, signaling more nonstop options for travelers heading through the region. Health & Safety for Travelers: With measles concerns tied to World Cup mobility, Colombia is urging travelers to complete vaccinations, and experts warn that food safety and water choices can make or break summer trips abroad. Guatemala in the Spotlight: Volcano Innovation Summit returns to Antigua Guatemala in September 2026, aiming to connect 2,200 leaders across 35 countries.

New Routes for Guatemala Travel: United Airlines is adding a year-round nonstop from Washington Dulles to Tuxtla Gutiérrez (Chiapas), plus new fall/winter service that includes a Guatemala City connection—good news for travelers heading into Guatemala’s Maya highlands and nearby border regions. Caribbean-to-Central America Airlift: BermudAir is expanding fast, with new winter service to Turks & Caicos, Belize, and Guatemala City, plus more Caribbean links from the U.S. and Canada—more options for island-hopping itineraries that start in Guatemala. Coolcation Demand: Travel And Tour World’s 2026 “coolcation” ranking highlights Guatemala among the Americas’ cooler-weather escapes, pointing to growing interest in nature-heavy, heat-avoidance trips. World Cup Health Watch: With World Cup travel ramping up, measles alerts and vaccination reminders are spreading across the region, including guidance tied to travelers moving through major U.S. gateways. Guatemala Business & Tourism Events: Volcano Innovation Summit returns to Antigua Guatemala in September 2026, aiming to connect thousands of regional leaders—another reason to plan ahead for lodging and transport. Sourcing for Visitors: Source Guatemala (Aug 19–20, 2026) pairs factory tours and networking with the Guatemala Apparel Show, bringing international buyers into the country.

Air Connectivity for Guatemala: BermudAir is expanding its winter network with new nonstop service to Guatemala City, alongside Turks & Caicos, Belize, and Anguilla—more options for travelers planning Caribbean getaways. New Routes from the U.S.: United Airlines announced four fall/winter additions, including a year-round Houston–Tuxtla Gutiérrez (Chiapas) route and new Washington Dulles links to Mexico’s Los Cabos plus Orange County/Santa Ana. Cool-Weather Travel Buzz: Travel And Tour World’s 2026 “coolcation” ranking highlights Guatemala among top cooler destinations in the Americas, reflecting growing demand for nature-forward trips that beat extreme heat. World Cup Health Watch: With the 2026 tournament drawing crowds across the region, health agencies are urging measles vaccination—including guidance for Colombian travelers—as outbreaks raise concerns for international mobility. Guatemala Events & Business Tourism: The Volcano Innovation Summit returns to Antigua Guatemala in September, aiming to connect thousands of regional and global leaders.

Air Travel & Routes: BermudAir is rolling out a big winter expansion with new Caribbean links, including flights to Guatemala City, plus Turks & Caicos, Belize and Anguilla—aimed at underserved leisure markets and more nonstop options for travelers. Sourcing & Business Travel: A new Source Guatemala sponsored sourcing experience (Aug. 19–20, 2026) pairs brand/retailer leaders with Guatemala’s apparel supply chain via factory tours, networking, hotel nights and a travel stipend. Health & Travel Risk: The USDA confirmed the first New World screwworm case in the U.S. in 60 years (Texas), raising concerns for livestock and potential spread across Central America. Culture & Community: Volcano Innovation Summit returns to Antigua Guatemala (Sept. 5–7, 2026), bringing 2,200 leaders for networking and innovation. Immigration & Human Rights: Reports and lawsuits spotlight alleged harsh conditions and hunger strikes at a New Jersey ICE detention facility, with families and detainees describing severe mistreatment.

Guatemala Travel & Tourism: Source Guatemala is set for Aug. 19–20, 2026, pairing the Americas Apparel Producers’ Network with VESTEX for a sponsored sourcing trip alongside the Guatemala Apparel Show—factory tours, executive networking, up to three hotel nights, and a travel stipend for approved brand/retailer sourcing leaders. Air Connectivity: BermudAir is expanding its Caribbean network with new nonstop service including Turks & Caicos, Belize, and flights to Guatemala City—tickets for the latest routes go on sale this week, with service starting in December. Health & Travel Safety: PAHO is urging Americas governments to boost measles vaccination and border health surveillance ahead of the 2026 World Cup, warning that rising cases could spread faster as international tourism ramps up. World Cup Travel Context: New York is preparing for a major influx of visitors as measles concerns grow, highlighting how event travel can strain public health systems.

Caribbean Air Access: BermudAir is expanding its winter network with new nonstop routes to Belize and Turks & Caicos, plus a new direct flight to Guatemala City, with presales starting this week and service beginning in December—good news for travelers planning peak-season getaways. Health Alert for Travelers: PAHO is urging Americas governments to ramp up measles vaccination and surveillance ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that rising cases and mass travel could accelerate spread; Guatemala is cited among the hardest hit in the region. Luxury Adventure to Guatemala: White Desert’s Dr. Jones by White Desert is launching a 13-day luxury itinerary starting in August 2027 that pairs Colombia’s wild landscapes with remote Guatemala highlights, ending in Antigua with hikes near Pacaya. Regional Travel Context: A UK Foreign Office update reiterates that travelers should check safety guidance before going abroad, with many countries flagged for “do not travel” advisories.

New Luxury Adventure: Dr. Jones by White Desert is launching a 13-day, private-flights itinerary from Colombia to Guatemala, ending in Antigua with hikes on Pacaya’s black volcanic terrain and visits to places like Uaxactún and Providencia’s reef (starting Aug 2027). Air Connectivity for Guatemala: BermudAir is adding nonstop winter service from Boston to Guatemala City (Dec–May), with other Caribbean routes expanding from multiple U.S. gateways. World Cup Travel Demand: Avianca is boosting capacity for 2026 with extra seats and a new direct Guatemala–San Francisco route (4 weekly flights). Health Alert for Travelers: PAHO is urging Americas governments to tighten measles vaccination and surveillance ahead of the 2026 World Cup; Guatemala is listed among the hardest-hit countries this year, with thousands of cases and deaths reported. Regional Tourism Context: A broader travel-sector outlook says Central & South America tourism is set to outpace global growth in 2026, even as health risks rise.

Measles Alert for World Cup Travelers: PAHO is urging Americas governments to boost measles vaccination and surveillance ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that rising cases plus international travel could speed spread at mass events; Guatemala is cited with 6,209 cases and 12 deaths this year. New Direct Flights to Guatemala City: Avianca has launched a nonstop San Francisco–Guatemala City route (4 weekly flights) and added 1,800 seats for World Cup demand, making it easier for fans to reach Antigua and the capital. More Caribbean Airlift (Including Guatemala): BermudAir is expanding its winter network with new nonstop service to Turks & Caicos and Belize, plus direct flights to Guatemala City from Boston, with tickets on sale Friday. Cuban Doctors Contracts Cut: Several Latin American countries, including Guatemala, are severing or reviewing ties with Cuba’s medical missions, a shift that could affect health services for travelers and locals. Immigration Family Separation Fallout: An AP investigation says U.S. officials re-separated dozens of children from parents despite a legal settlement—an issue that continues to ripple into Guatemala-linked family cases.

Public Health & Travel Safety: PAHO is warning of a measles resurgence across the Americas ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, noting more than 20,000 confirmed cases and 25 deaths this year, with Guatemala reporting 6,209 cases and 12 deaths; PAHO urges countries to tighten measles surveillance, boost vaccination coverage, and use active case-finding plus rapid response for mass gatherings. New Air Routes to Guatemala: Avianca launched new nonstop service between San Francisco and Guatemala City (seasonal, four weekly flights through Aug. 31, 2026), giving West Coast travelers a direct path to Guatemala’s capital and nearby Antigua. More Flights via BermudAir: BermudAir is expanding its winter network with direct service from Boston to Belize and Guatemala City, plus new nonstop routes to Turks & Caicos and a planned Grand Cayman link—adding more options for travelers connecting into the region. Tourism Outlook: WTTC forecasts Central and South America’s travel and tourism GDP growth at 4.1% in 2026, with international visitor spending up 7.8%, supporting continued demand for regional getaways.

New Direct Flights: Avianca launched seasonal nonstop service between San Francisco and Guatemala City, starting this week with four weekly flights through Aug. 31, 2026—an easier route for travelers heading to Antigua and beyond. Health Alert for Travelers: PAHO says measles cases are rising across the Americas as the 2026 World Cup approaches, noting Guatemala has reported 6,209 cases and 12 deaths in 2026 so far; PAHO urges stronger surveillance, vaccination checks, and rapid response for mass gatherings. Tourism Outlook: WTTC forecasts Central and South America’s travel and tourism GDP will grow 4.1% in 2026 (vs. 3.2% globally), driven by resilient domestic demand and faster growth in international visitor spending. Maya Tourism Push: Guatemala is set to participate in K’íiwik: Mayan World Tourism Fair 2026, a regional event aimed at boosting sustainable, community-based tourism across the Mundo Maya. Local Adventure Spotlight: A report highlights Chicabal’s Maya Mam climb to a volcanic lagoon for rain—part pilgrimage, part climate warning as drought threatens crops.

World Cup Travel & Health: PAHO urged Americas countries to tighten measles surveillance, vaccination coverage, and rapid response ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including active case-finding and guidance for unvaccinated travelers. Mundo Maya Tourism Trade: Mexico’s Yucatán will host the first K’íiwik: Mayan World Tourism Fair (June 2–5), bringing together Mayan World destinations including Guatemala for buyers, exhibitors, and regional promotion. Guatemala Climate & Culture: Maya Mam families climbed Chicabal volcano to ask for rain as drought threatens rain-fed crops, blending ancestral ceremony with urgent climate warning. Digital Nomad Practicalities: A “work anywhere” checklist highlights travel-friendly gear for remote workers, including a go-to bag and charging setup—useful for travelers planning longer stays. Travel Safety & Mobility: A United Airlines flight was diverted after an unruly passenger tried to storm the cockpit, with authorities removing the person and the flight continuing safely. Indigenous Media Support: Cultural Survival announced 2026 Indigenous Community Media Fund grant partners, including Guatemala projects focused on strengthening local media capacity.

Indigenous Media Funding: Cultural Survival says its 2026 Indigenous Community Media Fund backed 36 projects across the Americas, including Guatemala, supporting Indigenous storytelling, knowledge exchange, and community-led narratives. Maya Rain Tourism & Climate Stress: In western Guatemala, Maya Mam families climb Chicabal to ask for rain as drought threatens rain-fed crops, turning an ancestral ceremony into a stark climate warning. Regional Tourism Push: The Mayan World Tourism Fair (K’íiwik) returns June 2–5 in Yucatán, bringing together Mayan-region destinations including Guatemala to court international buyers and boost sustainable cultural travel. Travel Economy Outlook: WTTC forecasts Central and South America’s travel and tourism GDP will grow faster than the global average in 2026, with Guatemala highlighted among standout markets. Digital Nomad Practicalities: A roundup of “work anywhere” essentials notes remote workers’ reliance on travel-friendly gear—from bags to chargers—while traveling through places like Guatemala.

Tourism Outlook: The WTTC forecasts Central and South America’s Travel & Tourism GDP will grow 4.1% in 2026, with international visitor spending up 7.8%—and Guatemala named among standout markets. Mayan Culture & Travel: K’íiwik: Mayan World Tourism Fair 2026 is set for June 2–5 at Yucatán’s CIC, bringing together the Mundo Maya destinations (including Guatemala) to boost regional promotion and business. Climate & Indigenous Tourism: In Guatemala’s Chicabal area, Maya Mam families climb to a sacred volcanic lagoon to ask for rain as drought threatens crops—turning an ancestral ceremony into a stark climate warning. Adventure Travel: Three friends ride bicycles from Argentina to the U.S. to follow the 2026 World Cup, arriving in Dallas after more than 10,000 miles. Language Travel: Adult language immersion programs keep gaining momentum, with new options highlighted for travelers seeking structured cultural immersion.

Maya Rain Call in Chicabal: Indigenous Maya Mam families in western Guatemala climbed to the sacred volcanic lagoon at Chicabal to ask for rain, turning an ancestral ceremony into a stark drought warning for crops and communities. Mundo Maya Tourism Fair 2026: Guatemala is set to link up with Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico for K’íiwik: Mayan World Tourism Fair 2026 (June 2–5) in Yucatán, aiming to boost regional promotion and new business deals. Guatemala on the World Cup Training Map: Ecuador’s national team trained in Columbus, with a friendly scheduled against Guatemala on June 7, spotlighting Guatemala in the broader football travel calendar. Tourism Growth Forecast: The WTTC projects Central and South America’s travel and tourism sector will outpace global growth in 2026, highlighting Guatemala among standout markets. Travel Safety Reminder: A United Airlines flight was diverted to Madison after an unruly passenger tried to storm the cockpit, a reminder that disruptions can ripple into travel plans.

Climate & Culture: At Guatemala’s Chicabal volcanic lagoon, Maya Mam families held their annual rain ceremony as drought threatens rain-fed crops, turning ancestral devotion into a stark climate warning. Tourism Outlook: The WTTC forecasts Central and South America’s travel and tourism sector will outgrow the global average in 2026, with Guatemala named among standout markets as international visitor spending rises. Adventure Travel (Sports): Three friends bike from Argentina to the U.S. to chase a 2026 World Cup dream, arriving in Dallas after crossing 17 countries—an inspiring reminder of how travel can be the journey. Travel Safety/Flights: United Airlines flights in the U.S. saw diversions after passengers caused onboard disturbances, including one attempt to storm a cockpit—another week of reminders to keep travel rules front and center. Maya Travel Idea: A slow-traveler guide highlights how to plan a visit to Tikal, Guatemala’s iconic Maya city, with pacing tips for a better experience.

Tourism Outlook for Guatemala: The WTTC forecasts Central and South America’s travel and tourism GDP will grow 4.1% in 2026, with international visitor spending up 7.8%—and highlights Guatemala among the markets expected to benefit from resilient demand and comparatively lower exposure to geopolitical disruption. Guatemala on the Map for Sports Travel: Ecuador’s World Cup warm-up schedule includes a friendly in Guatemala on June 7, after training in Columbus—good news for fans planning a short sports trip. Travel-Linked Flight Disruption (Not Guatemala, but relevant for travelers): A United Airlines flight from Chicago to Minneapolis made an emergency landing in Wisconsin after a passenger tried to storm the cockpit; authorities detained the person and the flight resumed. Regional Labor & Tourism Context: Belize’s labor shift toward migrant workers in construction, agriculture, and tourism support services underscores how Central America’s tourism growth is tied to staffing and cross-border work flows. Guatemala Mentioned in a Broader Travel Network: Alaska Airlines lists nonstops including Guatemala City and Guatemala, signaling continued route options for travelers planning Central America itineraries.