These measures threaten the stability of the sector and cause estimated daily losses of 6.7 million quetzales (nearly $859 million), the company said in a statement.
In the text, Inguat expressed concern and expressed solidarity with the sector due to the restrictions on the movement of Guatemalan citizens and foreign visitors in the country.
This has a negative impact on the tourism value chain, especially MSMEs, which account for 85 percent of service providers, he added.
The national chimney industry is in its final recovery phase after the Covid-19 crisis, which temporarily paralyzed it and caused millions in losses, the closure of famous establishments and extreme job cuts, he warned.
The Inguat – he stressed – is an institution that respects the provisions of Articles 28 and 33 of the Constitution “which establish the right to petition and demonstrate”.
However, he considered it equally important to respect the provisions of Article 26 of Magna Carta regarding freedom of movement.
He called for the latter to be “respected within our borders to avoid impacts that could lead to further economic and employment losses.”
In addition, there are negative impacts on the development of the tourism industry and the quality of life of Guatemalans, he explained in the statement.
It is estimated that Inguat will end 2023 with 2.3 million foreign visitors and an income of $1,231 million, a figure close to that of 2019.
The beauties of Guatemala attracted 1,844,739 tourists last year, a 72 percent recovery after the pandemic, according to official data.
At least 95 points remain blocked on strategic roads in Guatemala this Saturday, in the sixth day of protests against the actions of the Ministry of State and for the salvation of democracy.
The population united in the so-called indefinite strike is demanding the resignation of Attorney General Consuelo Porras and other of its officials who continue the investigation into the electoral process and the Semilla party, the winner of the election.
rgh/znc