Guatemala won first place as best stand at the 2026 International Tourism Fairmade in Madrid, Spain. The recognition was given among 154 participating countries and during the four days of the event, attended by more than 250 thousand people. The award highlights the way in which the country showed its identity, culture and tourism offering to the international public, through a space that sought to tell who we are and what experiences it offers. Guatemala to the world.

Guatemala won the award for best stand at Fitur 2026

He best stand award was delivered within the framework of International Tourism Fair 2026one of the most important tourism events globally. Every year, this space brings together destinations, operators, investors and media from different countries. In this edition, Guatemala managed to stand out against 154 nations, which reinforces its positioning as a tourist destination in the region.

This recognition is relevant because Feature It works as a global showcase. The stand is the first image that many travelers and operators have of the country. Winning this award means that Guatemala managed to communicate, effectively, who it is, what it offers and why it is worth visiting, in a space where competition is high and the public’s attention is limited.

A design that unites tradition and technology

He stand de Guatemala opted for a concept that connected the ancestral worldview with current technological tools. The design integrated elements such as Mayan nahuales, threads that symbolize traditional weaving and direct references to Mayan looms. These components were key to transmitting identity and cultural continuity from the first tour.

The space also incorporated video mapping, sound effects and a tasting bar, creating a complete sensory experience. Added to this was the projection of the Mayan Pentagram, an element that made it possible to explain the relationship between ancestral spirituality and daily life. The proposal sought for the visitor not only to observe, but to understand the cultural value behind each symbol.

Interactive experiences for the public

One of the most striking points of the tour was an interactive digital mirror with masks of Mayan dancers. This installation invited the public to interact and be part of the stand, generating a direct experience with the country’s living heritage. Active participation was key to capturing the attention of visitors and prolonging their stay in the space.

In addition, the stand included 3D animations inspired by Tikal and other cultural references, reinforcing the connection between history and technology. Each element was designed to stimulate the senses: look, listen, taste and imagine. The objective was for the visitor to visualize their next trip to Guatemala from a close and participatory experience.

Nahuales and Guatemalan gastronomy

The tour also incorporated an interactive experience inspired by the nahuals. Through this dynamic, the participants were able to learn the symbolic meaning of each nahual and which of them they represent according to their date of birth.

In addition to the visual proposal, the stand It also offers demonstration and tasting spaces. Guatemalan coffee and cocoa bring the public closer to flavors that are part of the country’s identity and that already have international projection. Added to this is a gastronomic sample with recipes prepared by the Guatemalan chef, Pablo Díaz.

Culture, technology and tradition managed to connect with thousands of visitors. This achievement invites us to look at the country with new eyes and consider Guatemala as an upcoming destination to discover.

Read more about Guatemala’s participation below:

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