Mrs. Smith, can you tell us about your professional career in the tourist domain?

I currently hold down the post of Vice Minister of the Guatemalan Tourism Institute. I've got a 27-year experience in the sector of tour operators, I took part in the organization of the Quetzal Route for Miguel de la Cuadra Salcedo. So, I've got great experience and I've built a good professional career in tourism.

How was your debut in the world of tourism?

My debut in the world of tourism... Well, the leisure industry really got a strong hold on me a few decades ago because of my knowledge about Guatemala. In addition, my career gave me the opportunity to know a whole lot more about the country in many aspects. For years, we put together safaris down a few unknown rivers in the archeological area. I've also been involved in classical tourism, adventures and I've worked out all logistical details for the coming of cruise liners.

What kind of infrastructure does the country count on to hold congresses and incentive events?

As far as congresses are concerned, we rely on a pretty good infrastructure in the country's major hotels. As to incentives, Guatemala is an extremely interesting nation for that particular kind of event. We've already knocked together trips that cover incentive tourism.

What hotel chains offer the possibility of holding those events and meetings?

Top hotel chains in Guatemala City organize congresses and incentives. Antigua has some major colonial resources, plus very interesting things when it comes to incentives.

Do you believe this kind of tourism needs more and a better promotion that the advertisement devoted to plain vacationing?

Yes, absolutely, because this is a topic that raises a lot of attention worldwide, especially in Europe where huge enterprises have already come to Guatemala to organize congresses and incentives.

From an economic viewpoint, what kind of tourism reaps more benefits, vacations or congresses and incentives?

From an economic standpoint, both sector are worth giving a crack at. Traditional tourism is the one reaping the most benefits for Guatemala. Incentive tourism is equally interesting because it brings a different kind of visitor to the country.

Will you tell us what this Central American Support Program for Small Hotels is all about?

It's just a program that encourages small hotels to go ahead and get advertised, because this is something that hasn't so far been done in a proper way. In Guatemala, we're going to put together a similar program exclusively aimed at promoting small hotel resorts.

How has been Guatemala's across-the-board reaction, and particularly that of tourism on the heels of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S.?

I think it's been a positive reaction, despite the fact that the number of tourists has dipped as it has also plunged in the rest of the Latin American destinations. We're snapping back right now, taking actions and outlining timely strategies. And we've noticed a tourist flare-up in Guatemala lately.

Do you believe such tradeshows like FITUR in Madrid or London's World Travel Market are necessary to launch out promotional blitzes of the Latin American destinations in the European markets?

You bet they are. Fairs like these are major meeting grounds to forge new businesses and make new contacts within the boundaries of tourism. Moreover, this year Guatemala is sporting a trimmer stand and is projecting a brand-new image in order to lure visitors.

What communication and marketing strategies are you laying out to promote Guatemala as a tourist destination?

We're putting out ads in the printed press, mainly in magazines. We're taking tour operators and the mass media for a grand tour around Guatemala, because there's no doubt in my mind that's the way Guatemala is going to be known best. We also have a handful of TV promotional campaigns.

How do you combine your job with your personal life and your family?

As to my family, the matching process between both aspects has been quite a useful experience because my own kids came along with me in many of my research and exploratory trips. This has helped them understand many things, not only about tourism, but also about Guatemala itself. As far as my personal life is concerned, you find yourself stripped of a good deal of things because a career in tourism sucks in a lot of your time. However, you make good friends.

Can you relate us any experience or curious anecdote you've been through in the course of your professional career?

The world of tourism is full of experiences, some positive and other somewhat negative. Right at this very moment, I remember one... when we found out there was a yellow-beard snake (fer de lance) under the mattress of an archeologist friend of mine in the camp we were sleeping in. Nothing brings me more satisfaction than talking to tourists who have visited the country and tell you how happy they're returning home after the experience and the new things they've seen in Guatemala.