Guatemala hosted the official launch of the Central America Big Day 2026, a regional gathering that brought together tourism authorities and representatives of the nature sector with the aim of strengthening birdwatching as a strategic tool for conservation and sustainable tourism in the region.

The initiative is led by The Central American Tourism Promotion Agency (CATA) and consolidates a shared vision among Central American countries to position the region as a high-value biodiversity corridor with strong environmental and tourism appeal.

The event was attended by Bianka Espósito, Acting Director General of the Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo; Rolando Schweikert, President of the Cámara de Turismo de Guatemala; and Boris Iraheta, Secretary General of CATA, along with delegations from participating member countries.

During the meeting, participants reaffirmed their joint commitment to biodiversity, local development, and the consolidation of bird tourism as a sustainable economic driver for host communities.

Regional Vision and Strategic Integration

In his remarks, Boris Iraheta emphasized that the Central America Big Day represents a platform for regional integration that strengthens joint promotion efforts and enhances the isthmus’ international positioning as a nature destination. He underscored that Central America’s biodiversity is a strategic asset that must be managed under principles of sustainability, innovation, and interinstitutional cooperation.

For her part, Bianka Espósito highlighted the importance of Guatemala hosting the launch, noting that the country is part of one of the most significant biological corridors on the continent. She stated that the event enables Central America to present itself as a single destination, articulated through a shared narrative of biodiversity, conservation, and responsible tourism.

Economic Impact and Local Development

Rolando Schweikert stressed that bird tourism carries not only environmental value but also significant economic impact. He noted that this segment attracts high-value, specialized visitors who tend to stay longer and generate direct spending in rural communities, supporting local guides and tourism enterprises.

Authorities agreed that sustainability is no longer optional but an essential condition for regional competitiveness.

A Sustainable Tourism Model

Central America Big Day 2026 aims to strengthen citizen science initiatives, expand regional participation, and consolidate Central America’s reputation as a leading nature tourism destination. The initiative integrates conservation, economic development, regional cooperation, and international positioning under a long-term strategic framework.

Beyond promoting species registration and public engagement, the event also seeks to reinforce regional cooperation, ecosystem conservation, and tourism competitiveness under sustainability standards.

With this official launch, Central America advances in articulating a regional strategy that integrates nature, responsible tourism, and economic development, projecting the region as an authentic, biodiverse destination committed to environmental stewardship and future sustainability.