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Central American countries vie for slice of cruise market
Central American countries are vying for a slice of the cruise market as cruise passengers to the region grew by 15% last season.
Guatemala is investing in improving its ports, roads and airports infrastructure and is committed to developing its cruise sector.
The Nicaragua Tourist Board (INTUR) has signed an agreement with the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association to bring more cruise ships to its ports.
And the Tourist Board of El Salvador (CORSATUR) has signed new agreements in the past few weeks with several cruise companies including Holland America Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Saga, Princess Cruises and Pullmantur.
A total of 2,394,000 cruise passengers arrived between October 2012 and May 2013 according to data released by the Secretariat of Central America Tourism Integration and figures are expected to rise further this season.
Honduras is the most popular destination accounting for 33% of the total number of cruise passengers in the region.
It was followed by Belize and then Panama which welcomed 315 and 277 cruise ships last season, respectively.
Costa Rica, namely the Puerto Limon port, was also popular with cruisers.
The Central American Tourism Agency said the Central American region aims to position itself as one of the top cruise destinations in the world.
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