This guide offers a comprehensive overview of Honduras’ tourism potential, highlighting key investment opportunities, the favorable economic environment, and the applicable legal framework. It is designed as a practical starting point for entrepreneurs and institutions interested in developing businesses in the country. The information contained herein has been collected and analyzed by the National Investment Council (CNI) and, although every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, it is not a substitute for professional advice. It is recommended that you contact the CNI team directly for specialized guidance or, failing that, consult with experts before making investment decisions.
SECTORIAL GUIDE FOR INVESTMENT IN TOURISM
Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento President of the Republic of Honduras
Miguel Medina Minister of Investment Promotion Executive Secretary of the National Investment Council
Board of Directors National Investment Council 2023-2025
Editorial team: Mario Alexander Peña Gonzalo Granados Alejandro Ávila Karen Moradel Marcio Jiménez Karen Cecilia Alvarenga
Design and layout: Luding Guzmán
Omar Pantoja Sergio Canales
Publication coordination: Marcio Jiménez
Translation: David A. Cruz Pineda
Special thanks to the Honduran National Chamber of Tourism and the Honduran Institute of Tourism
Printed by: Papelería e Imprenta Honduras S. de R.L. Tegucigalpa, Honduras. This document is for public use and may be distributed, copied, and used for social good purposes, without altering its content, citing the source.
First Edition R 2025
Technical Directorate for Sectoral Development Directorate for Innovation and Investor Services Data Intelligence Unit National Investment Council Headquarters Government Civic Center, Tower 1, Level 12. Tegucigalpa, M.D.C. Honduras Website: www.cni.hn
San Pedro Sula Regional Office Cortés Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIC) Col. Las Brisas 22 and 24, between 1st and 4th Avenue Junior.
All rights reserved. The total or partial modification of this material by any means is strictly prohibited without the prior written consent of the CNI and the authors responsible.
Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento President of the Republic of Honduras
Together with the Honduran government, we seek to increase investment and trade flows, strengthening tourism and developing new mechanisms to drive economic grow - th. We are working to consolidate strategic relationships that generate greater opportu- nities and benefits for the country.
”
Miguel Medina Minister of Promotion and Investment and Executive Secretary of the CNI
The Tourism Guide is a strategic tool that reflects Honduras’ commitment to promoting sustainable investment and turn our tourism potential into real opportunities for growth and regional development.
”
Yadira Gómez Minister of Tourism
We are working towards a more competitive environment, with policies that define the path for the tourism sector. The future is built with vision, commitment, and strategic alliances that add value to the sector.
”
Andrés Ehrler President of the National Chamber of Tourism of Honduras CANATURH
We contribute to the development of the tourism sector by promoting investment throu- gh technical support for the creation of tools such as this guide, which will guide and encourage investment in the sector, generating employment and increasing the income of producer families.
”
Prioritized investment sectors
Manufacture
Energy
Infrastructure
Agroindustry
Tourism
This guide offers a comprehensive overview of Hon- duras’ tourism potential, highlighting key investment opportunities, the favorable economic environment, and the applicable legal framework. It is designed as a practical starting point for entrepreneurs and ins- titutions interested in developing businesses in the country. The information contained herein has been collected and analyzed by the National Investment Council (CNI) and, although every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, it is not a substitute for profes- sional advice. It is recommended that you contact the CNI team directly for specialized guidance or, failing that, consult with experts before making investment decisions.
Contents
10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 21 22 25 26 29 32 37 46 52 68 70 71 72 74 76 81 84
Executive summary Acronyms and abbreviations Reasons to invest in Honduras Honduras in figures Population of Honduras Human talent 1. Economic overview of Honduras 1.1 Economic growth
1.2 Economic growth outlook 1.3 Macroeconomic context 2. Investment overview of Honduras 2.1 Foreign direct investment 3. Overview of the tourism sector in Honduras 3.1 Competitive advantages of the country 3.2 Tourism infrastructure 3.3 Key statistics on tourism in Honduras 3.4 Main types of tourism 3.5 Geographic areas 3.6 Governance of the tourism sector 3.7 Steps to establish yourself in Honduras 3.8 Government policies and incentives 3.9 Legal framework related to the sector 3.10 Contact guide 5. Success stories 5. Portfolio of investment opportunities
Executive Summary
This tourism guide provides a comprehensive over- view of the potential of Honduras’ tourism sector, highlighting its natural wealth, cultural diversity, and strategic investment opportunities. Honduras has a privileged geographical location, varied climates, a wide range of ecosystems, and a vibrant cultural heri- tage that make it a unique and emerging destination in the Central American region. The guide analyzes ten key tourism segments: na- ture, sun and beach, cultural, adventure, religious, health, business, gastronomic, sports, and mountain, presenting differentiated competitive advantages for each one. Highlights include attractions such as the Río Plátano Biosphere, the Mesoamerican Reef, Celaque National Park, archaeological sites such as Copán, experiences such as canopy tours, coffee and cocoa routes, traditional religious events such as Guancasco, medical tourism in centers such as Luna Jaguar, and sports activities such as rafting, tria- thlons, and professional soccer. It also highlights the growing range of gastronomic experiences, wellness, and corporate events.
The document includes a territorial analysis of es- tablished, emerging, and developing destinations, and a characterization of strategic tourism products such as the Lenca Route, La Esperanza, Marcala, La Campa, La Ceiba, Roatán, Lake Yojoa, among others. It also includes a detailed section on relevant actors, value chains, connectivity, services, infrastructure, and opportunities for sustainable and community development. In terms of sector governance, it presents an institu- tional framework articulated at the strategic, opera- tional, coordination, and territorial levels, highlighting the role of SETUR, the National Tourism Council, CNI, IHT, OGDs, CANATURH, local governments, and international cooperation agencies such as UNWTO, SITCA, and CCT. The guide also presents tourism investment oppor- tunities with a sustainable focus, including under-ex- ploited destinations, hotel infrastructure, specialized circuits, and the strengthening of existing products. The document serves as a strategic tool to guide in- vestment decisions, territorial planning, and tourism promotion in the country.
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Acronyms and Abbreviations
ACB: Key Areas for Biodiversity ARSA: Health Regulatory Agency BCH: Central Bank of Honduras WB: World Bank CA: Central America CADERH: Advisory Center for Human Resources Develo- pment CANATURH: National Chamber of Tourism of Honduras ECLAC: Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean CEPF: Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund CIF: Cost, Insurance, and Freight CNI: National Investment Council CST: Central Standard Time Zone CCT: Central American Tourism Council EF English Proficiency: Education First English Proficiency Index FOB: Free on Board IHT: Honduran Institute of Tourism IHADFA: Honduran Institute for the Prevention of Alcoho- lism, Drug Addiction, and Drug Dependency FDI: Foreign Direct Investment INE: National Institute of Statistics INFOP: National Institute of Professional Training
CPI: Consumer Price Index SCT: Sales Tax km: Kilometers m: Meters
M.D.C.: Municipality of the Central District MCCA: Central American Common Market MDC: Municipality of the Central District MICE: Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions MM: Billion DMO: Destination Management Organizations U NWTO: World Tourism Organization UN Tourism: United Nations World Tourism Organization (new name for UNWTO) pp: Percentage Points NTR: National Tax Registry SAR: Revenue Administration Service SETUR: Ministry of Tourism SIECA: Central American Economic Integration System s. n. m.: Above sea level SITCA: Central American Tourism Integration Secretariat °C: Degrees Celsius USD: United States Dollar
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National Investment Council of Honduras
WHY TO INVEST IN HONDURAS REASONS
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Efficiency 2
Located on the Carib- bean Sea, Puerto Cortes is positioned as one of the biggest and most efficient port of the region with Super Post Panamax cranes , its certification as a Mega Port , and the United States Integrated Cus- toms facility. Efficiency 3 Port Quality and
Strategic Location and Connection to the World.
Modern Infrastructure and Logistics
8 logistics corridors, including the Logistics Corridor , a vital route linking the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. 8 maritime facilities , 6 in the Caribbean and 2 in the Pacific, 4 international airports and 1 domestic airport, as well as 21 airlines.
In the heart of Central America, with 671 km of Caribbean coastline and 133 km on the Pacific. 11 trade agreements in force covering 45 nations and the Central American Common Market (CACM), provi- ding access to more than 1.3 billion consumers .
Demographic Advantage 4 rate of 1.5% and an average age of 31. 70.7% of the population is of working age, of which 55.7% is economically active. From 2021 to 2024, there will be more than 986,000 graduates in extracurricular education and 108,000 graduates in higher education. 9.9 million inhabitants with an annual growth
Staff 5
System 6
Solid and Growing Financial
Trained Bilingual
9 foreign-owned banks and 6 domestic banks , 3 state-owned banks, and 12 insurance institutions, with optimal levels of solvency, profitability, liquidity and adequate administrative management, complying with national and international norms and standards.
1st in Central America and 3rd in Latin America in English proficiency according to the EF English Proficiency Index 2024. Linguistic skills of the population and a solid educational environment, with more than 830 bilingual educational centers.
HONDURAS in Figures General Data:
Official Name
Honduras Republic
Capital City
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Tegucigalpa, M.D.C.
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Total area
President of the Republic of Honduras Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento
112,777 km2
Official Language Spanish Modern languages
Time zone Central Standard Time (CST), UTC -6
Misquito, Pech, Tol, Tawahka, Chorti, Garifunas y Englis/speaking Black or Islander
Form of Government Republican, democratic and representative
HONDURAS Population 2024 Total Population:
9.9 million inhabitants
Male: 46.6 % Female: 53.4 %
Age percentage: 31 years
working-age population (WAP) 7.0 million of inhabitants 70.7 % of the total population (2024) 45.1 % Men Women 54.9 % Economically Active Population (EAP) 3.9 million of inhabitants 55.7 % of the working-age population (2024)
59.7 % Male
Female 40.3 %
Occupied Population: 3.7 million inhabitants (2024)
Unoccupied Population: 206 thousand inhabitants (2024)
Source: National Institute of Statistics (INE)
Human Resources Extra-curricular education
+of 986,668 graduates (2021-2024) 57,570 Agricultural 881,481 Commerce and services 47,617 Industrial
Higher Education
+of 108,250 professional graduates (2021-2024)
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9,545 Postgraduates
16,641 Engineering 75,630 Degrees 5,494 Technicians
788 Specialties
158 PhDs
6 public and 15 privates
21 Superior Education Institutes
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Economic Overview of Honduras
Sectorial Guide for Investment in Tourism
1.1 Economic Growth In recent years, Honduras has shown remarkable resilience, with periods of sustained growth, reaching an annual GDP variation of 3.6% in 2024, higher than expected, exceeding the minimum target range established in the 2024-2025 Monetary Program review. In 2024, the country ranked as the fourth fas- test-growing economy in Central America and the second fastest-growing in the Northern Triangle of Central America (El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras). Economic growth was mainly supported by financial intermediation; communications; electricity and water; trade; and construction. It should be noted that for 2024, estimates by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Ca- ribbean (ECLAC) projected lower growth for some of the subregions compared to 2023: South America by 2.1% (1.7% in 2023); the group comprising Central America and Mexico, 1.8% (3.2% in 2023), and the Caribbean (excluding Guyana), 2.4% (2.5% in 2023).
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STRUCTURE PERCENTAGE OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES WITH RESPECT TO GDP
Constant Values, 2024
28
%
Financial Brokerage, Insurance and Pension Funds
12 % 12 % 8 % 4 % 5 %
17 % 10 % 4 % 7 %
Agriculture, livestock, forestry and fishing
Manu- facturing Industries
Commerce: Hotels and Restaurants
Commu- nications
Property and Housing: Real Estate and Business Activities
Educational Services: Social and Health Services
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Electricity and Water Distribution
Transportation and Storage
3
%
Cons- truction
Public Administration and Defense
Community Services: Social and Personal Source: National Accounts Department, Short-Term Statistics Section, BCH. 2 %
0. 2%
Mines and Quarries Exploitation
National Investment Council of Honduras
GDP GROWTH IN CENTRAL AMERICA, 2024 (%)
3.7 Guatemala
3.6 Honduras
2.6 El Salvador
3.6 Nicaragua
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4.3 Costa Rica
2.9 Panamá
Source: Prepared by the authors with data from the Central Bank of Honduras and its counterparts in Central America.
1.2 Economic growth outlook In 2025, the region is expected to maintain a growth rate of 2.6%, 0.2 percentage points lower than in 2024. In this context, according to data from the Central Bank of Honduras (BCH), the Honduran economy is expected to perform well over the next two years, growing at a rate of between 3.5% and 4.0%, according to the recently published Monetary Program (2025-2026). Likewise, international organizations agree that Honduras will maintain its economic growth in the range of 2.8% to 3.3% for this year. ECLAC placed its GDP growth projection for Honduras at 3.2% for 2025, above several coun- tries in the region such as El Salvador (2.4%), Mexico (0.3%), and Nicaragua (3.1%). It also exceeds the average for the Latin American and Caribbean region (2.2%) and Central America (2.6%). By 2025, a 9.3% increase in goods exports is projected as a result of higher coffee prices due to lower production forecasts in Brazil caused by adverse weather conditions. Higher international prices and demand for shrimp, lobster, tilapia, and pineapples are also expected. Likewise, higher foreign sales of goods for processing, mainly textiles and clothing, and higher production of electrical appliances (harnesses) are expected, partly as a result of the expected improvement in external demand.
Growth Projections CENTRAL AMERICA 2024-2025
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3.5 4.3 2.4 2.6 3.6 3.7 3.2 3.6 3.1 3.6 4.2 2.9
3.5 4.0 2.2 2.9 3.5 3.7 2.8 3.7 3.4 3.6 3.5 2.6
3.4 4.3 2.5 2.6 4.1 3.7 3.3 3.6 3.2 3.6 4.0 2.9
Year: 2025 2024
Costa Rica
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El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Nicaragua
Panamá
Source: Own elaboration with data from ECLAC, WB and IMF.
National Investment Council of Honduras
1.3 Macroeconomic context 1.3.1 INFLATION AND MACROECONOMIC STABILITY
Economic activity continues to show strength, registering cumulative growth of 3.6% in 2024, supported mainly by domestic factors and the strong performance of most economic activities. Honduras ranked as the fourth fastest-growing economy in Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic in 2024. Total inflation continues to slow in 2024, falling within the medium-term tolerance range established by the BCH (4.0% ± 1.0 pp), after remaining outside it since December 2021. Thus, as of December 2024, it showed a year- on-year variation of 3.88%, 1.31 pp lower than that observed in the same month of 2023 (5.19%). The BCH’s forecasts for total inflation indicate that it will remain within the established tolerance range (4.0% ± 1.0 pp) throughout 2025, suggesting that the slowdown in inflation will be faster than predicted in the 2024-2025 RPM, as inflation in the services sector continues to moderate and international food and fuel prices register lower growth.
Inflation: year-on-year percentage change in the CPI
Period
2022 2023
2024
CPI Year-on-year change
9.80
5.19
3.88
Source: Prepared internally using data from the Central Bank of Honduras
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1.3.2 FOREIGN TRADE In 2024, exports of goods and merchandise (excluding services) totaled US$11,047.1 million. The manufacturing industry accounted for 41% of this amount (US$4,516.6 million), while textiles contributed 35% (US$3,904.8 million). Together, these two activities accounted for 76% of the country’s total exports. The manufacturing sector showed significant growth in the assembly of machinery and electrical appliances, especially in the production of harnesses, with an increase of US$65.4 million. Other products that registered an increase in export volume and value were precious metals and other non-ferrous metals (US$55.9 million), other food products n.e.c. (not previously classified) (US$45.8 million), and plastic products (US$28.1 million). In 2024, imports of merchandise and processing goods under the CIF regime totaled US$19,640.7 million. Of this amount, merchandise accounted for US$16,244.1 million (83%), while processing goods totaled US$3,396.6 million (17%). The main products imported were: machinery, equipment, electrical materials and parts, as well as recording equipment: US$3,176.3 million; fuels and lubricants: US$2,713.9 million; textiles and textile products: US$2,701.9 million; and chemical and related products: US$2,159.0 million. Together, these products accounted for 54.7% of total imports.
SECTORIAL GUIDE Tourism
Principal export products (2024)
Machinery and electrical equipment (mainly harnesses)
Crude palm oil
Banana
Clothing
Gold coffee
US$429.2
US$3,427.4 millions
US$1,369.0 US$1,218.2
US$506.2
millions
millions
millions
millions
Source: Own elaboration with data from the Central Bank of Honduras, 2024.
Main export trading partners (2024)
United States of America
Central America
Mexico
Germany
Belgium
Netherlands
Italiy
Source: Own elaboration with data from the Central Bank of Honduras, 2024.
Main import products (2024)
Machinery and apparatus, electrical equipment and parts
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Textile materials and articles
Products of chemical or related industries
Fuels and lubricants
Food Industry
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US$3,176.3
US$1,956.3 US$2,713.9 US$2,701.9 US$2,159.0
millions
millions
millions
millions
millions
Source: Own elaboration with data from the Central Bank of Honduras, 2024.
Illustration 11 - Main import trading partners (2024)
United States of America
Central America
China
Mexico
Germany
India
Brazil
Source: Own elaboration with data from the Central Bank of Honduras, 2024.
National Investment Council of Honduras
Exports of Goods FOB (Millions of dollars)
US$12,246.9 US$11,348.2 US$11,047.1
2022
2023
2024
Source: Balance of Goods by Category, Central Bank of Honduras, 2024.
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Imports of Goods FOB (Millions of dollars)
US$20,69 9.4 US$19,255.4 US$19,640.7
2022
2023
2024
Source: Balance of Goods by Category, Central Bank of Honduras, 2024.
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Honduras Investment Overview
Sectorial Guide for Investment in Tourism
2.1 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
FDI flows in several countries in the region have continued to experience significant growth after the post-pan - demic phase. Honduras since 2020 has stood out as one of the countries with the highest increase in FDI, registering a growth of 24.6% in 2022 and 17.0% in 2023, far outpacing other economies in the region. In comparison, Costa Rica registered a decrease of 2.1% in 2022 and a growth of 19.7% in 2023. Nicaragua presented a 22.9% growth in 2022, followed by a 13.5% decrease in 2023. In the case of Guatemala, there was a contraction of 58.3 % in 2022 and a recovery with a growth of 10.0 % in 2023. These data are based on official figures and estimates from the Central Bank of Honduras (BCH), its counterparts in Central America and SEMCA Data.
Central America: FDI inflows by recipient countries (Millions of dollars)
1,692.5 Guatemala
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Honduras 993.9
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El Salvador 639.6
Nicaragua 1,352.3
Costa Rica 4,321.6
Panamá 2,832.6
Source: Own elaboration with data from the Central Bank of Honduras and its counterparts in Central America.
At the end of 2024, companies with foreign direct investment (FDI) in Honduras recorded a positive cumulative inflow of US$ 993.9 million, reflecting a decrease of 7.66 % compared to 2023. This decrease was mainly affec - ted by sectors such as manufacturing and commerce, which registered lower FDI inflows compared to those recorded in 2023, mainly due to lower reinvested earnings and an increase in accounts payable. In contrast, Financial and Insurance Activities led foreign investment with US$ 542.8 million, while the energy sector received US$ 111.1 million, strengthening the development of renewable energies. Regarding the origin of FDI in 2024, a net inflow of US$ 857.5 million was recorded from the Americas, with Co - lombia, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Guatemala standing out. While from Europe and Asia, countries such as Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands and the Philippines, are the ones that allocated the most capital to the country.
Net FDI flows by country of origin, 2024 (Millions of dollars)
Irlanda $1.4
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Bélgica $120
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$19.2 Canadá
España $78
$147 México
Japón $1.6
Bermuda $162
Países Bajos $35
Corea del Sur $4.3
Bahamas $20
$6.7 Rep. Dominicana
$124 Guatemala $42
Hong Kong $2.8
Islas Caimán $19
Filipinas $20.5
El Salvador
$22 Nicaragua
Islas Vírgenes Britanicas $26
$15 Costa Rica
$9 Italia
$161 Panamá $2 Ecuador
Singapur $6
$298 Colombia
Nueva Zelanda $1.9
FDI flows in Honduras over the past four years
738.7
920.3
1,076.4
993.9
2021
2022
2023
2024
National Investment Council of Honduras
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3
Overview of the tourism sector in Honduras
Sectorial Guide for Investment in Tourism
REASONS SECTOR IN HONDURAS TO INVEST IN THE TOURISM
Page Tourism, wealth and diversity: 1 2 3 Geographic location Climate diversity and distinct seasons:
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Located in the heart of Mesoamerica, with coastlines on the Caribbean and the Pacific, Honduras is a key connection point between North America, Central America, and South America. This privileged position facilitates air, sea, and land access, ideal for attracting regional and international tourists and consolidating the country as a hub of diverse experiences.
Thanks to its coastal and mountainous geography, the country offers everything from warm tropical climates on the Caribbean and Pacific mountainous areas such as La Esperanza, Celaque, and Intibucá. This climatic variety allows for tourist activities to be enjoyed in all seasons, adapting to different visitor profiles and promoting the continuous operation of the sector throughout the year. beaches to cool temperatures in
Honduras offers a comprehensive range of tourist attractions, including sun and beach, ecotourism, cultural tourism, religious tourism, gastronomic tourism, mountain sports, rural tourism, community tourism, and wellness tourism. From the Mesoamerican Reef to the Lenca and Garifuna villages, passing through archaeological sites, coffee and cocoa routes, natural parks, and colonial cities, the country offers an authentic and multidimensional experience.
Page Tax benefits: 4 5 6 Honduras has four international airports, Logistical efficiency and expanding infrastructure: Cultural authenticity and hospitality:
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The country's ethnic and cultural richness, combined with a warm and hospitable population, makes tourism a genuine human experience. Living traditions, local cuisines, music, religious celebrations, and crafts are part of the value proposition for those seeking cultural connection.
The country offers incentives for tourism investment through the Tourism Promotion Act , which provides tax exemptions, customs benefits, and legal certainty. In addition, there is a legal framework related to the sector that is geared toward sustainable development, territorial inclusion, and international promotion.
cargo and cruise ports, a road network undergoing modernization, and logistics hubs such as Puerto Cortés and San Pedro Sula. In addition, the proximity between destinations and improved land and air connectivity allow for efficient and logistically viable tourist circuits.
National Investment Council of Honduras
3.1 1 Country competitive advantages 3.1.1 Climate: Honduras, due to its subtropical location in the northern hemisphere, offers exceptionally favora- ble climatic conditions for tourism development throughout the year. The country’s coastal areas have a warm and humid climate, with an average annual temperature of 31°C, ideal for sun and beach activities, nautical tourism, and cruises. This type of climate, highly valued by North American and European tourists, makes Hon- duran coasts such as Roatán, Tela, Trujillo, and La Ceiba natural destinations for attracting investment in resorts, marinas, diving centers, and beachfront experiences. On the other hand, the mountainous area of the country offers a more temperate climate with moderate tempera- tures, making it attractive for ecotourism, adventure tourism, agrotourism, and long-stay retreats. These regions, such as La Esperanza, Gracias, Marcala, and Valle de Ángeles, allow for diversification of the tourist offer and cater to segments interested in rural, cultural, and wellness experiences. The existence of two well-defined climatic seasons, a dry season from November to May and a rainy season from June to October, allows for efficient planning of seasonal tourism products. The dry season, which coincides with the northern hemisphere winter, is the high season for attracting tourists from North America and Europe. Meanwhile, the rainy season can be used to promote green and sustainable experiences, such as tourism in nature reserves, hiking, bird watching, and visits to working farms. 3.1.2 Biodiversity: Honduras is recognized as one of the most biodiverse countries in the Americas, a status attributed to its strategic location in the heart of Mesoamerica, its mountainous topography, and the influence of two oceans that converge on its territory. This biological wealth represents one of the country’s main natural strengths and is a fundamental asset for the development of sustainable, ecological, and cultural tourism. Hon- duran territory encompasses eight distinct ecoregions and at least 60 terrestrial and coastal marine ecosystems, including tropical, cloud, and coniferous forests, mangroves, savannas, wetlands, coral reefs, and extensive mountainous areas exceeding 2,800 meters in altitude.
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NATIONAL FOREST COVERAGE
+ 6.3 MILLIONS OF HECTARES
0.79 % mangrove forest
68.3 % broadleaf forest
30.9 % coniferous forest
That represents the 56 % national territory of the
Source: National Institute for Forest Conservation and Development
National forest cover is estimated at more than 6.3 million hectares, representing 56% of the national territory. Of this area, 68.3% is broadleaf forest, 30.9% is coniferous forest, and 0.79% is mangrove forest. This forest diversity reflects the country’s eminently natural vocation, whose mountainous topography covers 82% of the territory, generating microclimates that favor an enormous variety of flora and fauna. Despite its forest wealth, pressure on natural resources has led to only half of the territory currently being covered by forests, which poses a challenge but also an opportunity for responsible, conservation-oriented tourism investments.
Protected Areas in Honduras
Total hectares in protected areas
Marine-Coastal Protected Areas
Terrestrial Protected Areas
3,067,179.58 ha 2,055,605.41 ha
93
5,122,784.98 ha
Declared Biosphere Reserves
Total Area of Biosphere Reserves
Departments
4
1,283,144.65 ha
9
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Source: National Institute for Forest Conservation and Development
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The National System of Protected Areas and Wildlife of Honduras is made up of 93 areas, of which 75 have been legally declared and 18 are in the process of formalization. These areas cover a total area of more than five million hectares, distributed between terrestrial (40.13%) and marine (59.87%) ecosystems, and include essential habitats for emblematic species such as the jaguar, tapir, scarlet macaw, manatee, harpy eagle, various species of sea turtles, reptiles, birds, and fish, as well as exuberant flora with more than 8,000 registered plant species, including some 630 species of orchids. The rich fauna is complemented by 771 species of birds, 220 species of mammals, 276 species of reptiles, and 153 species of amphibians, making the country an ideal destination for wildlife and nature tourism. Honduran biodiversity is not only concentrated in protected areas, but also in territories historically inhabited by indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples, who preserve ancestral knowledge about natural resource manage- ment. It is estimated that 70% of these populations live in areas that are now part of the conservation system. This allows for the development of cultural and community tourism proposals that promote inclusion, local development, and environmental conservation. In the field of international conservation, Honduras is part of the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot, one of the 36 regions on the planet with the highest concentration of threatened species. The Critical Ecosystem Partner- ship Fund (CEPF) has identified 31 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in the country, representing approximately 11% of the national territory. These areas are home to unique ecosystems and species of high ecological value, making them priority areas for sustainable tourism investment.
National Investment Council of Honduras
One of the most emblematic examples of this natural wealth is the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, located in the La Mosquitia region, which was declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. This reserve contains extensive tropical forests, rivers, and wetlands, and offers an ideal environment for the development of low-impact tourism products, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, river navigation, and experiential tourism with local communities.
Biosphere Reserves declared in Honduras
Belice
Atlantic Ocean
Plátano River
Guatemala
Honduras
T rifinio F raternidad
Cacique Lempira Mountains Senior
El Salvador
San Marcos de Colón
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Nicaragua
Pacific Ocean
SECTORIAL GUIDE Tourism
Source: National Institute for Forest Conservation and Development
The country also has a diverse network of natural infrastructure and wildlife management centers, including zoos, breeding centers, botanical gardens, orchid gardens, butterfly gardens, nurseries, and natural museums, several of which are located in areas of high tourist value and can be integrated into themed routes for nature tourism, environmental education, and scientific experiences. Honduras’ biodiversity, due to its extent, uniqueness, and level of conservation, constitutes a strategic advantage for attracting innovative, sustainable tourism investments that are aligned with global trends in responsible tourism. Investing in the development of eco-lodges, environmental interpretation centers, bird watching circuits, or rural community tourism projects not only responds to growing market demand but also contributes to pre- serving the natural capital that defines Honduras as one of the most promising emerging ecological destinations in Latin America. 3.1.3 Geographic Location: Honduras is located in the center of the Central American isthmus, a strategic geographic position that allows it to serve as a natural bridge between North and South America and as a privileged connection point between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. This location is not only geopolitically and commercially relevant, but also represents a key competitive advantage for tourism, as it facilitates access to the country from relevant source markets such as the United States, Mexico, Canada, Europe, and the rest of Central America and the Caribbean.
From a logistical standpoint, Honduras has key in- frastructure that strengthens its tourism connectivity. The country has four international airports with direct flights to and from major cities on the continent. In addition, its proximity to other established tourist destinations such as Cancun, Guatemala City, Pana- ma City, and Cartagena de Indias allows Honduras to be integrated into high-value regional tourist circuits. Its geographical position also favors the arrival of cruise ships through ports such as Roatan, one of the main cruise destinations in the Western Caribbean. Its geographical position also favors the arrival of cruise ships through ports such as Roatán, one of the main cruise destinations in the Western Caribbean. In environmental terms, Honduras’ location within the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor makes it a territory of extremely high biodiversity, hosting ecosystems shared with neighboring countries and species of regional distribution. This characteristic facilitates cross-border cooperation in conservation, scientific research, and ecotourism. In addition, Honduras is one of the four countries that make up the Mesoa- merican Reef System, the second largest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef, giving it an enormous advantage for the development of marine and nature tourism.
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National Investment Council of Honduras
The Mesoamerican Biological Corridor
Symbology:
The Mesoamerican biological corridor
Its position between two oceans also allows for a diversity of climates and landscapes that are unusual in the region. From its white sand beaches in the Caribbean to its cloud forests in mountainous areas, Honduras offers diverse tourist experiences within relatively short distances, facilitating itineraries that combine sun and beach, nature, culture, adventure, and wellness. This diversity, a result of its geographi- cal location and topography, makes it possible to de- sign high-end, sustainable tourism products tailored to different types of travelers. In the regional context, Honduras is part of a region that has become increasingly important for its natu- ral and cultural wealth, reinforcing its potential as an emerging tourist destination. As Latin America posi- tions itself as a key destination for responsible and conservation tourism, Honduras can capitalize on its location and environment to attract investment in innovative, interconnected, and sustainable tourism projects that take advantage of the logistical, ecolo- gical, and cultural benefits that only being in the heart
of Mesoamerica can offer. 3.1.4 Human capital
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Honduras has a growing and increasingly specialized human capital base in the tourism sector, which re- presents a strategic advantage for attracting invest- ments aimed at hotel development, services, hospi- tality, and sustainable tourism. The combination of formal education, technical training, and language skills offers favorable conditions for responding to the demands of a dynamic and quality-oriented tou- rism industry. There is clear interest in secondary education with a focus on tourism, as more than 50 public and private institutions in urban centers across the country offer technical high school diplomas with a focus on hospi- tality and tourism. Added to this is a robust academic offer at the higher education level: public and private universities in the country offer undergraduate de- grees in areas such as tourism business administra- tion, ecotourism, Tourism Management, Tourism and
Hospitality, as well as technical programs in Bilingual Tourism, Sustainable Tourism, and Hospitality. Toge- ther, these programs have graduated more than 860 professionals in the last four years, strengthening the talent pool available for new tourism projects. The English language has become an increasingly valued skill in the leisure and business tourism sec- tors. In this context, Honduras ranks as the country with the highest level of English proficiency in Central America and third in Latin America, according to the EF English Proficiency Index. This advantage is rein - forced by a growing educational infrastructure: more than 830 bilingual educational centers offer secon- dary education in English, with an annual enrollment of over 14,000 students, which promises a steady flow of young people with language skills aligned with international tourism standards.
which allows for rapid job placement and continuous improvement of human talent. According to official estimates, the tourism sector in Honduras generates employment for more than 325,000 people, of whom approximately 53% are women. This figure reflects not only the economic weight of tourism in the national productive structure, but also its potential as an engine for inclusive and decentralized job creation. As the country promotes the development of emerging tourist destinations, a window of opportunity is opening to further enhan- ce human talent through investment in educational infrastructure, partnerships, and international certifi - cations. In short, Honduras offers an environment conducive to the development of talent linked to tourism, both through its formal and technical educational offe- rings and the growing specialization of its workforce. These conditions not only ensure the availability of trained personnel but also increase the country’s competitiveness as a sustainable tourist destination and attract private investment.
Honduras
#33 out of 116 countries
Ranked EF EPI Score: 545
1 Overall Average Score: 477 Ranking in Latin America: 3 out of 21
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3.2 TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE
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SECTORIAL GUIDE Tourism
3.2.1 Accommodation and growth of the sector As of March 2025, the country had a total of 1,806 accommodation facilities formally registered in the National Directory of Tourist Establishments of the Honduran Institute of Tourism (IHT), representing 31.7% of all types of registered tourist services. This figure shows an active ecosystem, with a year-on-year growth rate of 4.8% and reflects the growing interest in investing in infrastructure aimed at serving both do- mestic and international tourism. Honduras is home to more than 13% of the lodging establishments in Central America, Panama, Belize, and the Dominican Republic, positioning itself as the third country with the largest infrastructure in Central America, only be- hind Guatemala and Costa Rica.
Competition trends
700 650 600 550 500 450 400 350
2011 - 2024
In addition to formal academic education, Honduras has key institutions for technical and professional training, such as INFOP (National Institute for Pro- fessional Training) and CADERH (Advisory Center for Human Resources Development). Both institutions offer programs aimed at employability in sectors such as tourism services, customer service, gastro- nomy, hotel reception, and travel agency operations,
National Investment Council of Honduras
3.2.2 Rooms available nationally and regionally In terms of installed capacity, Honduras has more than 31,700 rooms available throughout the country. The departments with the highest concentration of rooms are Cortés (5,874), Francisco Morazán (4,692), Atlántida (3,928), and the Bay Islands (3,246), all of which are tourist destinations with high demand and national and international connectivity. At the regional level, Honduras accounts for 11% of all available rooms in the region analyzed, surpassing countries such as Belize (3.68%), El Salvador (2.42%), and Nicaragua (4.4%), and approa- ching Panama (11.7%).
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3.2.3 Resorts and hotel chains established in Honduras The country has positioned itself as an attractive destination for investments in all-inclusive resorts, with more than 50 establishments of this type distributed across beaches, islands, and ecological destinations such as Roatán, Utila, West Bay, Tela, and La Ceiba. Many of these resorts are highly rated on global tourism platforms such as TripAdvisor, Expedia, and Booking, and offer premium experiences facing the Caribbean Sea and in natu- ral environments with high scenic value. In addition, Honduras is home to at least nine international hotel chains, including well-known names such as Hyatt Place, Intercontinental, Clarion, Hilton, and Holiday Inn, among others. The presence of these brands confirms the international private sector’s confidence in the Honduran market and lays the foundation for the expansion of new high-end hotel developments, as well as investments in emerging destinations with strong tourism potential. Currently, the Ibagari Boutique hotel in Roatán received the country’s first MICHELIN Key in October. 3.2.4 Gastronomic offerings and food and beverage establishments The tourist infrastructure is complemented by a wide range of gastronomic offerings, with more than 3,050 food and beverage establishments registered nationwide. This includes cafes, local restaurants, and international fast-food franchises (McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Little Caesars, Starbucks, Expresso Americano, among others), as well as gourmet food chains such as Fogo de Chao, Ruby Tuesday, and other well-known brands. This culinary diversity adds value to the tourist experience and represents an attractive area for investment, especially in areas
with rapid tourism growth such as Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, Roatán, and Copán. 3.2.5 Transportation
Honduras’ transportation infrastructure offers key logistical conditions for the development of tourism, facili - tating land, air, and sea access to the country’s main destinations. Its geographical location, combined with a growing network of road corridors, international airports, and commercial and tourist ports, allows for efficient connections between regions, neighboring countries, and international markets. 3.2.6 Air transport Honduras’ air connectivity is one of the most dynamic in the region, with five commercial airports, four of which are international: Ramón Villeda Morales (San Pedro Sula), Palmerola (Comayagua), Juan Manuel Gálvez (Roa- tán), and Guillermo Anderson (La Ceiba). Toncontín Airport (Tegucigalpa), although now operating domestic flights, remains key due to its proximity to the capital. The airports of San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba have the longest runways in the country, suitable for large-capacity aircraft, while Palmerola and Roatán also allow the arrival of international flights in medium and large aircraft.
Air and sea connectivity in Honduras
Atlantic Ocean
Ports International airports SIMBOLOGY
Belice
Roatán Port
International Airport Juan Manuel Galvéz
Cargo Terminal National Airports
Castilla Port
Puerto Cortés
Tela Port
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La Ceiba Port
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International Airport Guillermo Anderson Avilés
SECTORIAL GUIDE Tourism
Guatemala
Castilla Port
International Airport Ramón Villeda Morales
Palmerola International Airport
Toncontín National Airport
El Salvador
Puerto de Amapala
Puerto de San Lorenzo
Nicaragua
Pacific Ocean
In 2025, Honduras maintained direct connections with 11 countries through 21 commercial airlines that operated more than 9,860 flights per year, an average of 190 flights per week. More than 1.54 million seats were offered, an increase of 4.9% compared to 2023, of which 59% were directed to the US market, reflecting the importance of this country as the main source of tourists. This air network offers a favorable platform for tourism projects aimed at international visitors, especially in high-demand destinations such as Roatán, Copán, La Ceiba, and Tegucigalpa.
National Investment Council of Honduras
11 Countries with direct flights
21 Airlines +2 a compared to 2023
Seats offered in Honduras by airport international traffic Year 2024
(+8.2 %) 812,407
900,000 800,000 700,000 600,000 500,000 400,000 300,000 200,000 100,000 0
(+1.6 %) 559,399
Total seats : 1,549,821
169,215 (+1.2 %)
(+5.8 %) 8,800
Ramón Villeda Morales
Palmerola Juan Manuel Gálvez
Golosón
Source : International Air Transport Association (IATA). January 2025
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1,549,821 Seats offered during the year (+4.9 % compared to 2023) 29,804 on average per week
9,865 Average number of frequencies operated each week: 190 (+1.6 %)
SECTORIAL GUIDE Tourism
Seats offered in Honduras by country International Traffic Year 2024
1,000,000 900,000 800,000 700,000 600,000 500,000 400,000 300,000 200,000 100,000 0
907,039
59 % of the seats offered are to the United States.
247,086
156,094
82,290 71,486
26,752 20,691 13,215 11,700 8,800 4,668
Estados Unidos El Salvador Panamá España Guatemala Colombia México Canadá Costa Rica Islas Caimán Belice
Source : International Air Transport Association (IATA). January 2025
Arrival of cruise ships and cruise passengers
3.2.7 Maritime Honduras has six commercial seaports, five located in the Caribbean (Puerto Cortés, Castilla, Tela, La Ceiba, and Roatán) and one on the Pacific coast (San Lorenzo). The - se ports not only allow for the movement of goods and tourist supplies, but also play an essential role in the arrival of cruise ships. In 2024, the country received 458 cruise ships, representing 22% of the regional total (considering Central America, Panama, Beli- ze, and the Dominican Republic), with more than 1.8 million cruise passengers, equiva- lent to 30% of cruise visitors to the region. Ports such as Roatán and Mahogany Bay have consolidated their position as cruise hubs in the Western Caribbean, with outs- tanding ratings from international shipping companies and tourism portals. This posi- tioning generates investment opportunities in tourist ports, passenger infrastructure, marinas, yacht services, shore excursion routes, local transportation, and the deve- lopment of commercial hubs linked to the cruise experience. 3.2.8 Land Honduras has a road network of more than 19,700 kilometers of paved roads, consis- ting of eight main road corridors connecting urban areas, tourist centers, rural areas, and borders. Among these, the 366-kilometer Tourist Corridor (CA-13) stands out, linking key destinations on the Atlantic coast such as Tela, La Ceiba, Punta Sal National Park, and the routes that connect by sea to Roa- tán and Utila. This route promotes sun and beach tourism, nature and adventure, and has established itself as a key artery for tourism development on the north coast.
Cruise ship arrivals
Year-on-year change in cruises
2.084
0,9 %
PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION OF CRUISE ARRIVALS BY DESTINATION COUNTRY
Panam a 9,5 %
Dominican Republic 36,3 %
Beli z e 14,8 %
Costa Rica 15,5 %
Honduras 22,0 %
YEAR-ON-YEAR VARIATION IN CRUISE ARRIVALS 16,2 % 1,5 % 0,5 % 0,0 %
-9,5 % -10,0 %
-92,3 %
Guatemala Costa Rica El Salvador
Honduras
Panam a Dominican Republic
Beli z e
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Year-on-year change in cruise passengers
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Cruise passengers 6,0 mil
SECTORIAL GUIDE Tourism
13,9 %
Percentage distribution of cruise ship arrivals by destination country
Panam a 5,2 %
Beli z e 14,9 %
Dominican Republic 44,2 %
Honduras 30,0 %
YEAR-ON-YEAR VARIATION IN CRUISE ARRIVALS 29,4 % 18,1 % 0,0 % -1,1 % -12,0 %
-22,3 %
-93,3 %
National Investment Council of Honduras
Guatemala Costa Rica El Salvador
Honduras
Dominican Republic
Panam a
Beli z e
Source : Prepared internally using data from the Secretariat for Central American Tourism Integration.
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