By Staff / image from archive ANTIGUA GUATEMALA – Few literary works have managed to transcend borders like Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince). However, what many international readers remain unaware of is that the visual and spiritual genesis of this masterpiece lies within the landscapes of the City of Santiago de los Caballeros and the shores of Lake Atitlán.
The most compelling evidence lies in the geography. While the Little Prince tends to three volcanoes on his asteroid, the city of Antigua is guarded by an almost identical triad: the Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes. Furthermore, the iconic illustration of "the boa constrictor that had swallowed an elephant" bears an undeniable geographical resemblance to the Cerro de Oro (Hill of Gold), located on the shores of Lake Atitlán.
QUETZALTENANGO, GUATEMALA – In a digital environment where content consumption continues to skyrocket, Facebook has evolved from a passive entertainment social network into a high-performance business platform. For content creators and entrepreneurs in the region, understanding the rules of the current algorithm is the difference between being a spectator and building a sustainable income stream.
The Creator Ecosystem: Diversification and Formats
The foundation of an evergreen strategy on Facebook lies in variety. The current algorithm rewards not only consistency but also the ability to retain diverse audiences through three fundamental pillars:
Reels: The leading tool for organic reach to capture new audiences.
Visual Storytelling: Contextual photography that builds empathy and loyalty.
Value-Driven Articles: Content that provides solutions, keeping users engaged on the platform for longer periods.
Optimization through "Professional Mode"
One of the most powerful innovations is leveraging the growth challenges assigned through Professional Mode. Meeting these weekly objectives acts as a visibility accelerator, allowing Facebook’s system to recommend content to users beyond the current follower base.
Community over Vanity: The Value of Engagement
Unlike traditional metrics, financial success on Facebook does not rely solely on follower count, but on the engagement rate. An active community that comments and shares is the indispensable requirement to unlock official monetization tools, such as Ads on Reels, Stars, and Subscriptions.
"The path to digital monetization requires a business mindset. While others consume content, the strategic creator builds a digital infrastructure that generates value and long-term dividends," states the Xela In Focus strategy team.
The Role of Live Broadcasts
To speed up the payout process and meet the required watch hours, Live broadcasts serve as the primary catalyst. This format allows for an immediate human connection, increasing audience trust and accelerating the fulfillment of the platform's monetization requirements.
About Xela In Focus:
Xela In Focus is a platform dedicated to strategic communication and digital development in Western Guatemala, providing tools and analysis for entrepreneurs looking to stand out in the digital economy.
QUETZALTENANGO, GUATEMALA – En un entorno digital donde el consumo de contenido no deja de crecer, Facebook ha dejado de ser una red social de entretenimiento pasivo para consolidarse como una plataforma de negocios de alto rendimiento. Para los creadores de contenido y emprendedores de la región, entender las reglas del algoritmo actual es la diferencia entre ser un espectador o construir una fuente de ingresos sostenible.
El ecosistema del Creador: Diversificación y Formatos
La base de una estrategia evergreen (perpetua) en Facebook radica en la variedad. El algoritmo actual no solo premia la constancia, sino la capacidad de retener a diferentes audiencias mediante tres pilares fundamentales:
Reels: La herramienta de mayor alcance orgánico para captar nuevas audiencias.
Narrativa Visual: FotografÃas con contexto que generan empatÃa y fidelización.
ArtÃculos de Valor: Textos que aportan soluciones, manteniendo al usuario dentro de la plataforma por más tiempo.
Para acelerar el proceso de pago y las horas de reproducción necesarias, las transmisiones en vivo (Lives) se posicionan como el catalizador principal. Este formato permite una conexión humana inmediata, elevando la confianza de la audiencia y acelerando el cumplimiento de los requisitos de monetización de la plataforma.
By Pablo Barrera / images of archive, Pablo Barrera
QUETZALTENANGO – With the firm purpose of decentralizing high-quality ophthalmological care and bringing specialized services to the inhabitants of southwestern Guatemala, Visualiza consolidates its presence in Quetzaltenango. Strategically located at 6ta. Calle 15-19, Zone 3, the hospital stands as a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of eye pathologies, combining cutting-edge technology with a comprehensive care model.
Comprehensive Care in a Single Location
The Visualiza Xela Clinic has been designed to offer an efficient experience focused on patient well-being. Its facilities integrate ophthalmological medical consultations, optometry for refraction and prescription testing, as well as a specialized pharmacy and a full-service optical shop. This structure allows patients to receive a timely diagnosis and obtain their treatment or corrective lenses all in one place.
Dr. Anuard Suazo, ophthalmologist and anterior segment subspecialist at Visualiza, highlights the importance of the available infrastructure: "We have a wide variety of diagnostic studies to achieve precise detections. Our goal is for every person to receive a personalized evaluation tailored to their specific needs, facilitating access to complementary services without the need to travel elsewhere."
Innovation and Telemedicine: Breaking Geographical Barriers
One of the pillars of this location is the implementation of telemedicine services. This tool allows patients from Quetzaltenango and surrounding departments to access consultations with subspecialists based in Guatemala City, eliminating the need for long and costly trips.
"Telemedicine helps us reduce costs and travel time for the patient, facilitating the continuity of their treatments," explains Dr. Suazo. "Our mission is to reach those remote areas where access to an ophthalmologist has historically been difficult. This service is a new successful initiative to decentralize eye health in the country."
Social Commitment and Prevention
Beyond clinical care, Visualiza maintains an active social outreach through weekly ophthalmological campaigns. A multidisciplinary team of doctors and optometrists travels to various communities to identify patients, provide treatments, and facilitate access to free surgeries for those in greatest need.
Dr. Suazo issued an urgent call for prevention, noting that in Guatemala, 98% of blindness cases are preventable. Symptoms that the population should not ignore include:
Blurred vision or the presence of fixed black spots.
Perception of shadows in the visual field (possible signs of retinal issues).
Cloudy vision in older adults (an indication of cataracts).
"Cataracts are a condition that will affect most people after age 60. You shouldn't let your vision worsen; the longer you wait, the more complex the surgery becomes," the specialist warns.
Service Information
The Visualiza Xela Clinic operates on a first-come, first-served basis during the following hours:
Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Saturdays: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
For more information regarding services or health campaigns, interested parties can call 7763-5993, which also offers WhatsApp support for faster communication.
About Visualiza
With a 20-year trajectory in the country, Visualiza is the leading eye health center in Guatemala. It boasts more than thirteen vision centers and four ophthalmological hospitals nationwide, backed by high-level professionals and advanced technology. Its mission remains transforming lives through efficient and accessible services that improve the quality of life for all Guatemalans.
El Dr. Anuard Suazo, oftalmólogo y subespecialista en segmento anterior de Visualiza, destaca la importancia de la infraestructura disponible: "Contamos con una amplia variedad de estudios diagnósticos para lograr detecciones precisas. Nuestro objetivo es que cada persona reciba una evaluación personalizada y orientada a sus necesidades especÃficas, facilitando el acceso a servicios complementarios sin que tengan que desplazarse a otros puntos".
Innovación y Telemedicina: Rompiendo Barreras Geográficas
Uno de los pilares de esta sede es la implementación del servicio de telemedicina. Esta herramienta permite que los pacientes de Quetzaltenango y departamentos aledaños accedan a consultas con subespecialistas ubicados en la ciudad capital, eliminando la necesidad de realizar viajes largos y costosos.
El Dr. Suazo hace un llamado urgente a la prevención, señalando que en Guatemala el 98% de los casos de ceguera son prevenibles. Entre los sÃntomas que la población no debe ignorar se encuentran:
Visión borrosa o presencia de manchas negras fijas.
Percepción de sombras en el campo visual (posibles señales de problemas en la retina).
Visión nublada en adultos mayores (indicio de cataratas).
Guatemalan Roar in Bolivia: Darwin Lom Debuts with Goal and Assist in The Strongest’s Dominant Win
LA PAZ, BOLIVIA – Guatemalan striker Darwin Lom has made a dream start with Club The Strongest. In a pre-season friendly against Peru’s Cuzco FC, the national forward showcased his physical prowess and scoring instincts, contributing a goal and an assist in the "Atigrada" side's commanding 4-0 victory.
Lom entered the pitch in the second half, instantly revitalizing the Bolivian team's offensive line. His impact was felt immediately as he joined Algarañaz, Melgar, and Estacio on the scoresheet. Local media and the "Tigre" fanbase have highly praised the Guatemalan international’s grit and dedication, as he arrives in Bolivia determined to make his mark in one of South America’s most competitive leagues.
Through their official channels, Club The Strongest lauded his performance: "Darwin Lom roared from the very first moment. Intact grit, indomable heart, and fire in every play." With this result, the team stands ready for the start of the Bolivian league, where Lom is expected to be a key figure in the attacking front.
Rugido ChapÃn en Bolivia: Darwin Lom debuta con gol y asistencia en la goleada de The Strongest
LA PAZ, BOLIVIA – El delantero guatemalteco Darwin Lom ha tenido un inicio de ensueño con el Club The Strongest. En un encuentro amistoso de preparación frente al Cuzco FC de Perú, el ariete nacional no solo demostró su capacidad fÃsica, sino su olfato goleador al colaborar con un gol y una asistencia en la contundente victoria "Atigrada" de 4-0.
Lom ingresó al terreno de juego en la segunda mitad, cambiando la dinámica ofensiva del equipo boliviano. Su impacto fue inmediato, integrándose a un marcador que completaron Algarañaz, Melgar y Estacio. La prensa local y la afición del "Tigre" han destacado la garra y el compromiso del seleccionado guatemalteco, quien llega a Bolivia con la misión de consolidarse en una de las ligas más competitivas del sur del continente.
CAMTUR Wins the 2025 GREEN Tourism Excellence Award for its Climate Action Strategy for Tourism
Madrid, January 2026.Within the framework of the 2026 International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR), the Tourism Excellence Awards ceremony took place, where the Chamber of Tourism of Guatemala (CAMTUR) was honored with the Tourism Excellence Award, GREEN 2025 category, for its Climate Action Strategy for Tourism in Guatemala.
The award was received by Rolando Schweikert, President of CAMTUR, and Nancy MejÃa, Executive Director. They were accompanied during the ceremony by Harris Whitbeck, Director General of the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT); Patricia Orantes, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources; and Liwy Grazioso, Minister of Culture and Sports.
Also in attendance were Alicia Fajardo from The Travel Foundation; Jorge Cattaneo, General Director of the Ayuda en Acción Foundation; and Araceli Sanz, Mesoamerica Regional Director for Ayuda en Acción.
The Climate Action Strategy for Tourism in Guatemala earned first place from the judging panel, which was composed of prominent figures from the fields of tourism, art, and gastronomy from various countries. Through a secret and final voting process, they evaluated initiatives that promote innovative and sustainable approaches to tourism management. Additionally, the Strategy secured third place in the public vote, standing out among high-impact projects from various regions across the globe.
Regarding the achievement, Rolando Schweikert emphasized:
"The Climate Action Strategy for Tourism in Guatemala is an instrument that reflects the tourism sector's commitment to the sustainable development of the country. At the Chamber of Tourism of Guatemala, we have driven this process through a participatory approach, coordinating efforts between the public and private sectors, academia, communities, and international cooperation. This Strategy strengthens climate governance in tourism and lays the foundation for a more competitive, resilient model aligned with national and international climate change challenges."
Furthermore, Nancy MejÃa noted:
"The Strategy is conceived as a living tool that guides decision-making and climate action for the sector across the country's diverse territories. Through strategic pillars focused on governance, climate change mitigation and adaptation, impact measurement, access to financing, and the regeneration of tourist destinations, it contributes to the strengthening and competitiveness of the sector."
With this recognition, Guatemala bolsters its international visibility and reaffirms the organized tourism sector's commitment to a development model that protects its natural wealth, adapts to climate change, and builds a sustainable future for its destinations and communities.
About the Tourism Excellence Awards
The Tourism Excellence Awards were created in 2005 by Grupo Excelencias with the goal of fostering excellence in fields such as tourism, gastronomy, art, and culture. The GREEN Award recognizes initiatives with a direct impact on environmental sustainability, responsible land management, and the integration of climate action into tourism development.
CAMTUR gana el Premio
Excelencias TurÃsticas VERDE 2025
por su Estrategia de Acción Climática para el Turismo
Madrid, enero de 2026. En el marco de la Feria Internacional de Turismo
(FITUR) 2026, se llevó a cabo la ceremonia de entrega de los Premios
Excelencias TurÃsticas, en la cual la Cámara de Turismo de Guatemala (CAMTUR)
fue galardonada con el Premio Excelencias TurÃsticas, categorÃa VERDE 2025, por
la Estrategia de Acción Climática para el Turismo en Guatemala. El
reconocimiento fue recibido por Rolando Schweikert, Presidente de CAMTUR y
Nancy MejÃa, Directora Ejecutiva. Acompañaron a los directivos durante la
ceremonia Harris Whitbeck, Director General del Instituto Guatemalteco de
Turismo (INGUAT); Patricia Orantes, Ministra de Ambiente y Recursos Naturales;
y Liwy Grazioso, Ministra de Cultura y Deportes.
La Estrategia de Acción Climática
para el Turismo en Guatemala obtuvo el primer lugar otorgado por el jurado
calificador, integrado por personalidades del turismo, el arte y la gastronomÃa
de distintos paÃses, quienes, mediante un proceso de votación secreto e
inapelable, evaluaron iniciativas que promueven enfoques innovadores y
sostenibles en la gestión del turismo. Asimismo, la Estrategia alcanzó el
tercer lugar por votación del público, destacándose entre proyectos de alto
impacto provenientes de diversas regiones del mundo.
Al respecto, Rolando Schweikert destacó
que: “La Estrategia de Acción Climática para el Turismo en Guatemala es un
instrumento que refleja el compromiso del sector turÃstico con el desarrollo
sostenible del paÃs. Desde la Cámara de Turismo de Guatemala impulsamos este
proceso de manera participativa, articulando esfuerzos del sector público y
privado, la academia, las comunidades y la cooperación internacional. Esta
Estrategia fortalece la gobernanza climática del turismo y sienta las bases
para un modelo más competitivo, resiliente y alineado con los desafÃos del
cambio climático a nivel nacional e internacional.”
Con este reconocimiento, Guatemala
fortalece su visibilidad internacional y reafirma el compromiso del sector
turÃstico organizado con un modelo de desarrollo que protege su riqueza
natural, se adapta al cambio climático y construye un futuro sostenible para
sus destinos y comunidades.
Sobre los Premios Excelencias TurÃsticas
Los Premios Excelencias TurÃsticas fueron creados en 2005 por el Grupo
Excelencias, con el objetivo de fomentar la excelencia en ámbitos como el
turismo, la gastronomÃa, el arte y la cultura. El Premio VERDE reconoce
iniciativas con impacto directo en la sostenibilidad ambiental, la gestión
responsable del territorio y la integración de la acción climática en el
desarrollo turÃstico.
By Editorial Staff / Archive Image, Xela In Focus, Pablo Barrera Utz Ulew Tower: The legacy behind the tower that transformed Quetzaltenango...
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ANTIGUA GUATEMALA – Few literary works have managed to transcend borders like Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince). However, what many international readers remain unaware of is that the visual and spiritual genesis of this masterpiece lies within the landscapes of the City of Santiago de los Caballeros and the shores of Lake Atitlán.
