Proven Innovations > Integrated Rural Tourism Model
Desired Outcome:
New jobs will have been created and the Ixil Region of Guatemala will have a continuous influx of “new money” by attracting tourists
to visit the region and purchase from local service and product providers.
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The Need:
Initially, while working in Nebaj as a Peace Corps Volunteer, Greg Van Kirk recognized that tourists regularly visited Nebaj, but they
quickly left, as there was no adequate tourism infrastructure. There were no quality restaurants or other tourism business needs for
tourists to fully experience the rich Mayan culture and beautiful landscape of the area. Opportunities to create local jobs and income
existed, however they were being lost due to a lack of establishments that would attract and serve individuals looking to visit the
region.
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Our Solution:
Turismo Ixil, which began as the El Descanso Restaurant, now consists of five tourism businesses that offer travelers the opportunity
to experience the natural beauty and distinct culture of the Ixil region in a manner that supports the local economy and creates well
paying and sustainable jobs for local individuals.
These businesses include:
-
The restaurant El Descanso
- The hiking and trekking business Guias Ixiles
- The hostel MediaLuna MedioSol
- The Nebaj Language School spanish language school
- The Internet café La Red
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Benefits:
Creates well paying and sustainable jobs for local individuals in various communities in the Ixil region
- Offers travelers the opportunity to experience the natural beauty and distinct culture of the Ixil region in a manner that
supports the local economy
- Generates more new capital (tourism income) than any other development project in the entire Ixil region
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