From the bottom of the sea to the
top of Pico Bonito, today’s
Honduras is tomorrow’s destination for fun
in the sun. And with increasing numbers of visitors
from the United States and elsewhere, investment opportunities
in travel and tourism abound.
Honduras has everything it takes to drive and sustain a strong tourism industry, and while some enterprising
investors are identifying these opportunities, the demand will increase sharply very soon.
The Honduran government demonstrated its strong
support for the industry by enacting a tourism incentives law eliminating
income taxes and tariffs on new tourism projects. Eligible projects
include lodging and resort sites, recreational operators
and facilities, car rental agencies, and tour operators.
Miles of virginal white-sand beaches, breath-taking
reef diving and snorkeling, renowned Mayan archaeology,
historic colonial cities, thriving indigenous cultures,
and tropical rain forests appeal to visitors looking
for an unusual experience in a virtually unexplored
land. Investors looking for tourism development
opportunities in Central America’s fastest growing
tourist destination won’t have to look far.
Paradise in the United States' Backyard
U.S. visitors interested in world-class diving and
pristine beaches can find it all only two hours away on Honduras’ Bay
Islands.
Each of the three islands, Roatan, Guanaja, and
Utila, has its own distinct character and appeal
for tourism hospitality development. The islands
are one of the premier diving and snorkeling locations
on the globe, with easy access to the Mesoamerican
reef, the second largest coral reef in the world, and its amazingly diverse marine life.
Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines already bring passengers to the largest Bay Island, Roatan,
and both are constructing new facilities on the island for their cruise customers and other visitors.
Mayan
Ruins Carry Visitors Back in Time
Cultural explorers seeking a glimpse of the ancient
world will find a treasure trove in the ruins of
Copan, located in far western Honduras.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Copan is one of the
great Mayan city-states and is often referred to
as the Paris of the Mayan world. It boasts the largest
collections of Mayan hieroglyphic inscriptions and
stone monuments and some of the finest pre-Columbian
archeology in the world.
Rainforests
and National Parks Offer Adventure and the Chance
to Touch a Cloud!
Honduras’ abundant natural preserves enchant the
world’s most adventurous eco-and geo-tourists.
La Mosquitia, a region of mangrove swamps and tropical
rainforests on Honduras’ north coast, is home to
the most diverse range of indigenous groups in Central
America. The Garifuna, Miskito, Paya and Sumo Indians
all call La Mosquitia home. White water rafting,
jungle hikes and stunning waterfalls are only a
few of the delights that await visitors to this
remote region.
Nestled in the rainforest is another UNESCO World
Heritage site, Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, which
is being considered for the New 7 Wonders of Nature
designations.
The second largest national park in Honduras, Pico
Bonito, offers many attractions. In addition to
tackling white water kayaking and rafting, visitors
can walk among the clouds in the park’s cloud forest.
Pico Bonito is also home to diverse wildlife, offering
hikers and photographers countless opportunities
to view a variety of animals including jaguars,
lapirs, pumas, and both white-faced and spider monkeys.
The Marriott, Hilton, InterContinental, and Holiday
Inn are among the name brand business hotels operating
in Honduras, and the Westin, Nikki Beach, and Raffles
organizations have each announced plans to build
luxury resorts on the Bay Islands. Plans are underway
for residential villas and luxury hotels on the
Caribbean Coast as well.
Honduras
is in perfect position to become the next top tourist
destination. The time to invest is now!