United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Where in the world is Roatan?
Thanks to a flood of cruise passengers and new non-stop flights from the US, a once obscure place named Roatan, Honduras, is turning up on more traveler’s maps than ever before.
The Caribbean outpost is about 30 miles off the Central American coast and has long been a favorite of divers seeking the world’s second largest barrier reef.
But today, more visitors are arriving via non-stop flights from Atlanta, Newark and Houston. And their numbers should be swelled this year by a projected 730,000 cruise passengers, a number nearly two thirds what it was in 2009.
“Cruise ship visits proved to be one of the few bright spots on Roatan after President Manuel Zelaya’s ouster in June prompted a US State Department travel warning to stay away from Honduras. The advisory was lifted in December, but tourism revenue plummeted by 80 percent last year,” says USA Today.
Honduras’ other draws range from some of the planet’s best bird-watching (in Pico Bonito National Park and the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve) to the Paris of the ancient Maya world, Copán — all on the mainland.
Most hotels here are small and under 50 rooms. Tourists find prices surprisingly low.
The area also got its first golf course this year (designed by Pete Dye).
The area’s laidback style of life fits the needs of many visitors.
“It’s a Jimmy Buffet place, even though he’s never been there,” says Edward Moulder, a real estate broker.
By David Wilkening
David
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Woman dies after getting ‘entangled’ in baggage carousel