Guatemala's position on the 2013 International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) rankings has improved dramatically from last year and now ranks at number 62 on the global scale and number two in Central America, according to the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT). The ICCA ranking, which includes a total of 114 countries, solidifies Guatemala's dedication to boasting the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism sector.
"Our improved ranking is a testament to the tremendous progress the country has made in the last year, especially due to our efforts with strategic positioning, improved infrastructure and implementation of the latest technology," said Pedro Duchez, director of the Guatemalan Tourism Institute. "In addition to our first-rate capabilities, the country's vast nature and cultural offering make it an ideal place to have international meetings and conventions of any size."
The capital, Guatemala City, and the stunning colonial city of Antigua -- a UNESCO World Heritage site -- hosted the majority of events in the country last year. Among the top gatherings in 2013 were the Investment Summit, the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), and the second Central Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference. International events hosted in Guatemala more than doubled in 2013 with a total of 33, as compared to only 13 the previous year. Among the event categories were medicine, technology, economics, industrial, sports, and others.
Guatemala provides numerous options for hosting events including national and international hotel brands that have fully equipped conference centers and ballrooms. Additionally, the country offers other suitable spaces for meeting organizers such as unique restaurants, cultural centers, museums, theaters, and public squares. The COPEREX Fairground Complex is one of the largest venues boasting more than 200,000 square feet of space.