Information and images courtesy of CAMTUR

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 Mejía, 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 Mejía 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.