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
Related News Stories:
David
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled