As part of the action of the AL-INVEST Verde Programme, the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (AGEXPORT), member of the Executing Consortium of Component 1, carried out the "Diploma in Sustainable Tourism with Specialisation in Green Investments". This course, organised by the Sustainable Tourism Commission of AGEXPORT and developed by the Department of Sustainable Tourism of the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG), was successfully concluded with the participation of 31 representatives of MSMEs in the tourism sector and lasted 3 months.

The training programme was attended by representatives of tourist destinations, hotels, tour operators, tourism destinations such as coffee farms and new ventures in the sector. The diversity of the participants enriched the learning and allowed for the sharing of valuable experiences to strengthen the topics addressed in the diploma course.

The training programme included modules on tourism sustainability, best practices in sustainable tourism, tourism product development with a focus on green investments, marketing and business planning. The knowledge acquired will enable participants to implement new sustainability practices and green investments in their respective businesses, thus promoting a more responsible and environmentally friendly tourism in Guatemala.

“It has been a unique and authentic experience that helps us to connect with other people in the sector, to specialise in everything that has to do with sustainability and to be able to support from an even better point of view our whole country for growth and development on the environmental and economic side.said Romelia Villeda, a participant in the diploma course.

The Diploma in Sustainable Tourism with a Specialisation in Green Investments is an example of the commitment of the European Union and AGEXPORT, through the implementation of cooperation projects and programmes such as AL-INVEST Verde, to promote initiatives that contribute to the sustainable development of the country.

The support provided by AL-INVEST Verde in the training not only improves the capacities of the participants, but also strengthens the tourism sector in Guatemala, preparing it to face the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities of the global market, through these spaces for dialogue that provide knowledge to companies and people providing these services and training with professionals in these areas.

About AL-INVEST Verde

AL-INVEST Verde is a European Union programme whose main objective is to promote sustainable growth and job creation in Latin America by supporting the transition towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient and more circular economy. Through Component 1, the programme manages funds for the implementation of innovative projects of small business associations to boost sustainable practices in the private sector. Component 1 is led by sequa, a German non-profit organisation operating worldwide with the aim of promoting the private sector.

For more information visit: www.alinvest-verde.eu