Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
REPUBLIC OF HONDURAS
NATIONAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION PROGRAM
April, 2011
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Honduras Tourism Potential ...................................................................................... 1
A. Relevant Topics .......................................................................................................................................................1
B. Competitive Advantages .......................................................................................................................................1
C. First Class Tourism Attractions ..........................................................................................................................1
D. Opportunities ..........................................................................................................................................................1
II. Honduras in the Heart of America ........................................................................... 2
A. Modern Infrastructure ...........................................................................................................................................2
1. Airports ............................................................................................................................................................................. 2
2. Telecommunications ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
B. Tourist Services Plant ............................................................................................................................................3
C. Accommodation Supply.........................................................................................................................................3
D. Skilled Human Capital ............................................................................................................................................3
III. Demand Conditions ..................................................................................................... 3
A. Regional Context ....................................................................................................................................................3
IV. Tourism in Figures ........................................................................................................ 4
A. Visitors ......................................................................................................................................................................4
B. Tourists .....................................................................................................................................................................4
C. Currency...................................................................................................................................................................4
D. Tourist Seasonality .................................................................................................................................................5
E. Purpose of Travel ...................................................................................................................................................6
F. Tourist Stay and Spending.....................................................................................................................................6
G. Currency Generator ..............................................................................................................................................6
H. Forecasts...................................................................................................................................................................7
V. Supply Conditions ......................................................................................................... 7
A. Tourism Attractions Supply..................................................................................................................................7
B. Sun and Beach Tourism, Diving and Sailing .......................................................................................................7
1. Caribbean Coast ............................................................................................................................................................. 7
2. The Bay Islands ................................................................................................................................................................ 8
C. Nature and Adventure Tourism ....................................................................................................................... 10
1. Our small Amazons: The Mosquito Coast.............................................................................................................. 10
2. Tourism-oriented protected areas ...........................................................................................................................10
D. Cultural Tourism ................................................................................................................................................. 10
1. Archeology ..................................................................................................................................................................... 10
2. Colonial Cities ............................................................................................................................................................... 11
3. Living cultures ................................................................................................................................................................ 12
E. Tourism Fairs, Conventions, Incentives and Events ..................................................................................... 12
F. National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism (ENTS) 2021 ............................................................................ 12
1. Regionalization, according to the priority established in the ENTS ..................................................................14
2. "Adventure" Tourism ...................................................................................................................................................14
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B. COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
The following:
a) Less than two hours away from the main issuing markets
b) Only country in the region with resources and infrastructure geared to Caribbean ocean coastline.
c) Four international airports.
d) Access to two oceans: Atlantic (The Caribbean) and Pacific (Gulf of Fonseca).
e) Greater diversity of attractive features in the region.
f) Great weather most of the year.
g) The Bay Islands is the Cruise destination with the highest growth levels in the Caribbean and one of the five
best diving destinations worldwide.
h) Equal treatment and incentives for foreign investments.
i) Respect for tourism projects sustainability criteria.
j) Presence of the main international chains.
D. OPPORTUNITIES
The Following:
a) State Policy favoring foreign investment in the tourism sector projects.
b) Development strategy for the tourism sector to 2021.
c) Fiscal incentives at the sectors, and an appropriate legal framework.
d) Authentic destination with a diverse supply, congruent with new international market traveling trends
(culture, adventure tourism and geo‐tourism).
e) The Bay Islands, is the most consolidated destination, designated as a Free Tourism Zone, it offers a number of
unique fiscal incentives in the region.
f) Increasing interest of international organizations in supporting the tourism sector as a development and
economic growth tool.
g) Diversified investment projects portfolio of private developers and financial institutions looking for joint
ventures.
h) Basic structure to promote the decentralization of tourism management at the municipal level, in those
regions with the greatest tourism potential.
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II. HONDU
H URAS IN THE HEART OF
O AMER
RICA
Honduras has an arrea of 112,49 92 Km2 (43,4 433.4 squaree miles) and more
than eigght million in
nhabitants. Washed
W he Caribbean Sea on the north
by th
and by the Pacific Ocean,
O ulf of Fonsecca, on the south. At the east
the Gu e it
shares land borderss with Guateemala, at thee south with h El Salvador and
southeaast with Nicarragua.
A MODE
A. ERN INFRA
ASTRUCT
TURE
The country has good d road infrasttructure, six seaports,
s higghlighting Pueerto Cortes, as
a the largesst and
most efficient port in
n Central America. For to ourism there are two cru uise ship docks in Roatán
n, Bay
Islands, operated by m major world crruise lines: Ro oyal Caribbean Cruise Line and Carnivall Cruise Line.
1. Airports
A
Hondurass is the only ccountry in Cen ntral Americaa with four (4 4) international airports: Tegucigalpa, capital
of the Rep public, San Pe
edro Sula, inddustrial centeer, La Ceiba, tthe main connection hub ffor the Bay Isslands
and the north‐east,
n an
nd Roatán. In
n addition, th d Utila have airstrips for small
he islands off Guanaja and
aircrafts (ATR), operateed by local airlines.
ort term, the
In the sho ere are planss to build an airfield in th
he west, undeer a Public Private
P Partneership
scheme, in view of atttracting a greater flow of ttourists from Maya Routee (which comp prises five sattes of
the south heast of Mexico and Belizee, Guatemala, Honduras aand El Salvado or), particularly towards C Copan
Ruins, thee main archae eological attrraction and w which is also aat the distribu ution center ttowards the Lenca
Route and d the major cities of westeern Honduras, including Saanta Rosa de C Copan.
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In addition, small airports have been planned to respond to the requirements of the tourist towns,
among which Tela and Trujillo.
2. Telecommunications
Honduras is connected to the world through the most advanced communications networks in the region
such as Energia 1, Maya 1 and Arcos. The tourist areas have good access to the internet and mobile
phones, through three international and one national supplier which cover most of the country.
C. ACCOMMODATION SUPPLY
As a whole, there are in Honduras a total of 949 accommodation establishments with approximately
20,000 rooms and 33,000 beds. Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, the Bay Islands and Copan
concentrate 70% of the accommodation establishments in the country, with approximately 22,000 beds
available. Prestigious international hotel chains such as: Marriott, Hilton, Intercontinental, Crowne Plaza,
Holiday Inn and Clarion are present in major cities.
According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), during 2000‐2008, the arrival of tourists to
Central America has shown a positive trend, standing out as the fastest growing sub region in the
Americas.
Like other regions of the world in 2009 the Central American region was affected by different
international events, however, according to WTO estimates, Central America will regain its upward
trend as from 2010. In general, in 2009 all countries in the region reported a decrease in the number of
tourists, except Nicaragua, which shows an increase of 8.6%. The country reporting the highest
percentage of loss in the region is El Salvador (‐21.2%), followed by Guatemala (‐8.9%) and Costa Rica (‐
8%).
B. TOURISTS
During the 2000‐2008 period, tourist arrivals showed an average annual growth of 8.4%. In 2009, tourist
arrivals were affected by the global economic crisis, uncertainty about the H1N1 virus and the country's
political developments during the second half of this year. Result of the above, there was a decrease of
3% in the tourism segment. Nonetheless, this figure shows a rise of 85% over the total number of
tourists received in 2000, which shows the sector has been growing steadily.
Of all the tourists entering the country in 2009, 51% did so by land and 45% by air. The region that
contributes most tourists to Honduras is still Central America, which accounts for 46% of the market
share; followed by North America, with 39% of the total amount of tourists, which are mainly from the
United States.
The estimates for 2010, forecast a recovery of 3.0% compared to the previous year, which would
represent the arrival of 895.600 tourists to the country.
C. CURRENCY
Foreign exchange earnings in tourism sector are another indicator of the growth experienced since
2001. It is estimated that in 2010 tourism generated approximately U.S. $ 650 million.
Comparing the generation of foreign currency from the tourism sector to the total exports of the
country shows that in 2009 the turnout was 10.2%, with a clear improvement compared to the
participation they had in 2008 which was 8.5 %.
5
Source: Hond duran Institute of Tourism, Port of R
Roatán and Mahoggany Bay Port.
p /: Preliminaary data.
1 /: Honduraan Institute of Tourism (IHT) estimattes
2. Projection
ns as of 2008.
ND: Not Avaiilable.
D TOUR
D. RIST SEASO
ONALITY
The Inbou und Tourism Seasonality Index remains the same. The high season
s is during the firstt four
months o of the year an nd during Julyy and Augustt which are the summer sschool holidays and the A August
I addition, November and Decembeer, including Christmas ho
Fair in El Salvador. In olidays, which are
considereed high season.
As shown
n in the graph
h, the "peak m
months" are M
March, Augusst and Decem
mber.
Inb
bound Touriism Seasona
ality Index.
6
Source: Honduran Tourism Institute
E. PURPOSE OF TRAVEL
The main reason for travel reported by tourists responding to the Survey of Tourist Profile and Spending
was "Visiting Friends" (32.5%) followed by "Recreation and Leisure Holidays" (30.0%) and "Business"
(22.2%). 57.7% reported having stayed in a hotel and 35.9% reported having stayed with friends or
relatives.
The most popular activity was "Visiting friends and relatives" (24%) followed by "Beach activities"
(14.6%) and "job or business" (13.7%). The most liked aspect was "people friendliness" (25.3%). As for
the intentions of returning to the destination, 97.5% answered "Yes" to would you return to Honduras.
G. CURRENCY GENERATOR
Tourism is one of the main sectors in terms of foreign currency generation. Since 2001, the tourism has
remained as the third‐largest foreign exchange generating sector.
Main Foreign Exchange Generators, years: 2005 -2009 (Million of US$)
Items 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 p/ 09/08
Relative Variation
Income from remittances 1,775.8 2,328.6 2,580.7 2,807.5 2,475.7 ‐11.8%
Maquila 1,074.1 1,083.4 1,060.7 1,277.1 974.4 ‐23.7%
Tourism 465.8 516.0 546.2 620.4 616.0 ‐0.7%
Coffee 366.3 425.8 518.3 620.2 531.5 ‐14.3%
Bananas 260.3 241.4 289.3 383.8 327.1 ‐14.8%
Palm Oil 56.3 74.8 121.2 465.8 125.4 ‐39.0%
Farmed shrimp 124.5 156.4 120.3 99.0 112.9 14.0%
Soaps and detergents 42.5 45.9 43.9 52.4 4 ‐7.6%
Woodwork 40.8 32.1 40.0 29.8 23.5 ‐21.0%
Source: Honduran Institute of Tourism, Central Bank of Honduras.
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H. FORECASTS
It is expected that as from 2011, the tourism sector will begin to recover. Growth forecasts for the
period 2010‐2014 show an average growth in tourist arrivals between 3% and 4%. Similarly, it is
anticipated that the arrival of cruise ships will continue with an average annual growth of 3%.
V. SUPPLY CONDITIONS
A. TOURISM ATTRACTIONS SUPPLY
According to studies conducted by the Fund for Tourism Development in Mexico (FONATUR, in
Spanish), Honduras is the only country in Central America that has the greatest diversity of tourist
attractions, positioning it as the tourism destination with the highest potential.
Source: Fonatur
Among the most outstanding tourist attractions tourist attractions in Honduras are:
1. Caribbean Coast
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Along the Caribbean coast, lie the coastal towns of Puerto Cortés, Tela, La Ceiba and Trujillo that
witnessed the golden age of the banana companies, whose influence can still be admired in its buildings,
in addition to a variety of natural and cultural attractions. It also has the necessary infrastructure to
attract foreign investment.
In the vast and still unexplored Honduran Caribbean, you can admire kilometers of white sandy beaches
that together with rivers, lakes and canals are part of several national parks and wildlife refuges with
exuberant wild life and nature. According to new market trends, the ability to combine sun and
beaches, with first‐class nature, make this region the most attractive to attract the increasing demand of
international tourists.
The Honduran Caribbean coast is the attraction with the greatest economic and social potential;
therefore, the National Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2021 lists it as the main priority for short term
development.
Major mixed‐use tourism projects, with mixed capital are currently being developed in the Caribbean
region. In the city of Tela, "first fully planned‐CIP center" is being developed, which includes the Tela Bay
project (under the trade name "The Micos Beach & Golf Resort"), funded under a public‐private scheme
and considered as a successful example in this financing modality. The government is moving forward in
urban improvement programs that include basic and tourist infrastructure as part of this tourist resort in
the Caribbean Honduras.
With an investment of US$104 million and in its second phase of implementation, the commercial
project Tela Bay has 311 hectares of land and 3.2 km of pristine beach, located in the buffer zone of the
Janet Kawas National Park. Among its components, a mixed‐use resort is considered, which includes a
5‐star Boutique Hotel & Spa (60 rooms) and 30 condominiums managed by the hotel, totaling 120 keys,
a "World Class" golf course PGA (Professional Golfers Association) level designed by the renowned
international firm Gary Player, villas and home sites, among others.
Also in La Ceiba and Trujillo, private projects will be developed with foreign capital, directed to second
home tourism, as well as new mixed‐use tourist resorts protects that offer present opportunities for
joint ventures.
Partnership (PPP) and Carnival ‐ Mahagony Bay Port (funded by the company and local investors). The
cruise industry has a positive impact on the economy of the island, which is today one of the major
growth cruise destinations in the Caribbean.
This has allowed the development of a wide range of high quality tourist activities that include: a golf
course, adventure tourism activities, cultural and entertainment activities for visitors and tourists who
enjoy the island as well as opening of new resorts.
In the northwestern part of the island of Roatán, the Municipality of Santos Guardiola, presents great
opportunities for investment in high‐level resorts and boutique hotels. At present, there are plans to
build a mega marina for yachts to service the luxury yachts segment and to be listed as a sailing
destination in the Western Caribbean (Mexico‐Panama). Finally, there are a number of hotel and
residential projects in pre‐feasibility and / or construction phases which offer excellent opportunities for
joint ventures.
Guanaja
History records that Guanaja was named by Christopher Columbus on his fourth and last voyage. It was
named Isla de los Pinos (The island of Pines). For its undeniable beautiful landscape, where green
mountains with pine forests, (reaching altitudes of up to 500 meters (1641 feet) high) contrast with
stunning white sand pristine beaches surrounded by an unexplored coral reefs Guanaja is the best kept
secret in the Caribbean.
Infrastructure‐wise, Guanaja has an air terminal and in the short term basic infrastructure projects will
be developed. The people of Guanaja move from one place to another on the island by small boats,
since there is no infrastructure, which makes it more attractive for tourists.
In recent years, luxury chains such as Aman Resorts, Banyan Tree Resort, Raffles, to name a few, have
expressed interest in developing 5 stars and/or boutique hotels under joint venture and/or
administration schemes. Resorts projects with market research and feasibility studies are co‐investment
opportunities.
Utila
Located less than 31Kms (19 miles) from the Caribbean coast of Honduras, north of La Ceiba, Utila is the
smallest of the Bay Islands. The island of Utila is world famous for the quality certification of its diving
establishments which offer guarantees and top international standards at competitive prices. Its beauty
and richness in coral reefs attract thousands of tourists every year. Utila is also distinguished for being
one of the few places world‐wide, ideal for viewing the majestic whale shark, all year‐round.
Cayos Cochinos
Located at 14.5 km (9 miles) northeast of the port of La Ceiba, the Cayos Cochinos Archipelago, a group
of two small islands (Cayo Menor and Cayo Mayor) and eleven sand cays that are part of the Bay Islands
region.
Since 1993, the Foundation for the Protection and Conservation of Cayos Cochinos, HCRF "works in this
area and has joined forces with several Honduran and foreign entrepreneurs. The Smithsonian Institute
(STRI), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Marviva have promoted major projects in these keys, as well
as the AVINA Foundation from Switzerland, under the leadership of Stephan Schmidheiny.
There are sufficient alternative activities for anyone who does not practice diving to spend some
unforgettable days in the Keys. The Garifuna community in Cayo Chachahuate the possibility of
discovering the richness of this ethnic group with unique cultural and culinary demonstrations.
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The Bay Islands as a whole make up a consolidated world‐class destination that offers fantastic
opportunities for foreign investment considering the incentives granted by the Bay Islands Free Tourist
Zone Law.
D. CULTURAL TOURISM
1. Archeology
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Copan Ruins Located in the heart of the Copan Valley is considered the major source of information
about the ancient Maya civilization. The site was declared "World Heritage" by UNESCO.
Since its emergence, about 2.000 years BC, the Maya developed a sophisticated civilization, a society of
scientists, architects and sculptors highly creative and a ruling class that honored the life and
achievements of their kings. Along the Copan Valley are remnants of this great civilization that reached
its peak between VI‐VIII centuries AD.
In the world of Maya archeology, Copan is known as "the Athens of the New World" because it is
considered the artistic crowning achievement of the Maya World because of the extraordinary artistic
quality of its many high‐relief sculptures. Maya Civilization scholars often say that if "Tikal in Guatemala,
with its tall temples can be compared to New York, Chichen Itza because of its size to Buenos Aires,
then, Copan would be Paris."
Coupled with the fact of having the most elaborate stone sculpture, Copán is also considered the site
which has been studied the most by renowned institutions such as Harvard University and organizations
such as National Geographic. Copán Ruinas is an exceptional place in the world of archeology and the
one that has contributed the most to a better understanding of Mayan Culture.
Copán Ruinas offers excellent accommodations, emphasizing its unique boutique hotels, a wide range
of local cuisine and organized tours that include a variety of activities: horseback riding, bird watching,
visits to ecological reserves, visits to tobacco farms and Chortís villages, to name a few.
Among the priority projects of tourism infrastructure can be highlighting the construction of an airfield
to convert Copan into a distribution center to attract visitors to the Mayan World. According to the
forecasts, this infrastructure will increase the number of visitors to Copan, and at the same time will
serve as a hub to other places in the west region of Honduras.
The circuit includes a first‐class nature component: Celaque National Park, "living cultures" throughout
the Lenca Route and authentic colonial towns such as: La Esperanza, Gracias and Santa Rosa de Copan.
2. Colonial Cities
Three hundred years of Spanish colonial history in Honduras have left their mark on the many religious,
civil and military buildings. More than a hundred churches with elaborate reliefs and their rich interior
imagery, silverware and paintings speak for themselves of the important mining exploitation of the old
Province of Honduras.
Comayagua, Ojojona, Yuscarán, Tegucigalpa, Trujillo and Gracias are some of the best examples of this
heritage. Among the Spanish castles and fortresses are San Fernando de Omoa in Omoa, Santa Barbara
in Trujillo, and San Pedro in Gracias.
Scattered throughout in the mountainous landscape of the highlands of Honduras, are dozens of
colonial towns and villages populated by the colorful and traditional Lenca culture. In the central
squares of these villages you can see Spanish churches, dating back from half a millennium ago up to the
early days of conquest.
Among the most picturesque localities, and located in central Honduras, one‐hour drive from
Tegucigalpa, is Comayagua, the best preserved colonial city of Honduras. The town of Gracias, one‐hour
drive from Copan Ruinas, was between 1544 and 1548 the government headquarters of Central
America, since the Audiencia of the Confines settled there.
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Amid the cities that can be visited in the main tourism circuits are: Santa Lucia, Valle de Angeles and San
Juancito, which surround Tegucigalpa, offering a broad show of local cuisine, handicrafts and historic
heritage known as the Route of the Royal Mines. For its part, Tegucigalpa and its historic center has an
interesting offer that is quite representative of our Spanish colonial heritage.
3. Living cultures
Honduras has nine (9) ethnic indigenous, black and white origin groups that show an interesting culture
expressed in their crafts, folklore and in a particular way, their relation with nature. The Garifuna and
Miskito occupy large areas of national territory; however, the Tawahka, Pech and Tolupan have been
greatly reduced, while the Lenca, the Chorti and islanders complete the ethnic overview of the
Honduran population.
80% of the Garifuna community is scattered in dozens of villages on the Caribbean coast. Their unique
language, percussion drums, the voices of their songs, and exotic dances such as Punta revive the
ancient traditions that originated in Africa.
The Lenca are the largest indigenous group in Honduras. Their territory covers both the west and
southwest. While some of the Lenca words and names of places endure in the Lenca Languages, their
traditions still prevail. A part of their traditions are the way they build their houses, their techniques to
grow corn and beans, their traditional cuisine, pottery and colorful woven baskets, hats and mats,
among others.
Current Status
Classification Location Product Maturity Type of Product Market Strategy Proposed Future Vision Priority
Product Development Transform it into
SUN & BEACH Honduran ATTRACTION Incipient Primary Traditional " VERY HIGH
Caribbean Development Interest Infrastructure and
equipmenti
the“main engine” of
Tourism in Honduras
Complementary
DIVING Bay Islands PRODUCT Primary Special Interest New markets Product since
HIGH
Consolidated/Mature Diversification and
Subject to acceptable
penetration load limit
Diversification and New
ARCHAEOLOGY Copan Ruinas PRODUCT
Primary Special Interest
products developmen Incorporation of HIGH
Consolidated/Mature Cultural and nature cultural, nature
New markets
and adventure
penetration
elements
Diversification and
Development new Complementary
CRUISES Bay Islands PRODUCT Primary HIGH
Consolidated
Special Interest ‐Products to service Product since
Segment and conso Subject to acceptable
lidate existing products load limit
TOURISM Tegucigalpa, San ATTRACTION In Complementary Traditional Interest ¨Product Development Incorporation new HIGH
BUSINESS Pedro Sula and Development infrastructure MICE segments
La Ceiba Equipment and
promotion
As noted, the strategic direction is aimed at making of the Caribbean coast the main driver of tourism in
Honduras, developing Integrally Planned Centers (CIP) with sufficient infrastructure and accommodation
supply. These CIP will serve as "hubs" to other destinations in the country. The strategy would allow
attracting the traditional "sun and beach" tourism and offering attractive complementary activities of
special interest that do not the critical mass necessary for their development, such as nature/adventure
tourism.
Moreover, this will allow protecting the consolidated primary products that by their nature are bound to
limits of acceptable change or load capacity, such as archeology, cruises and diving, which are at the
growing stage and servicing special interest markets.
Consequently, the ENTS grants a high priority to the development of the Honduran Caribbean coast
surrounded by lush nature, and offering a unique opportunity for investment.
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2. "Adventure" Tourism
From the global perspective, the 2010‐2014 Action Plan of the Tourism Department has prioritized both
the effective promotion and repositioning of the country's image as the consolidation of products and
developing new destinations in the major regions of the country as current trends in demand and the
comparative advantages enjoyed by Honduras.
Priority Projects 2010-2014
Accessibility and connectivity Project:
Improving land access to the Maya area.
Road Rehabilitation CA‐11 from the area of La Entrada, Santa Rita de Copan, Copan
Copan Maya Area: La Entrada, Copan Ruinas.
Ruinas Santa Rita and Enabling Infrastructure for air access to the Maya area.
Regional Aerodrome construction to meet tourist traffic traveling through the Maya
World
Improving Access Road to Esmeralda Caribbean
Feasibility and design study for the extension of the CA‐13 between El Progreso and
Tela (4‐lane highway).
Honduran Caribbean (Caribbean
Emerald) El Progreso, Tela, Trujillo Improvement of the Port Infrastructure and Urban Image of Tourist Interest Cities
(Cruise Ship Pier):
Improvement in port infrastructure in Tela, La Ceiba or cruise ship pier in Puerto
Castilla and design and construction of waterfront / marine coastal walks.
Infrastructure improvement in access to the island of Utila:
The Bay Islands
Construction of airport in Utila
The 2011‐2014 Tourism Plan aims to develop at least one municipality in each one of the regions of the
National Plan that have tourist potential, with the purpose of these development areas becoming
magnets for investment and triggered tourism development at the regional level.
For some of these poles are declared Special Tourism Development Regions and Free Zones for Tourism
in order to establish models of tourism development. The intention is that some of these poles of
development will become the regional triggers (in line with the proposals of the regionalization of the
Nation Plan / Country Vision) for the development of tourism in Honduras.
15
In this context, there are many investment opportunities in the tourism sector under private equity
schemes or public‐private partnerships. (For more information ‐ Tourism Sector Project Link).
It is noteworthy to mention that the IHT has within its legal powers to constitute commercial joint
ventures, which allow making available to private investors a series of projects that could be developed
jointly through the provision of public goods and property. The IHT has also generated administrative
capacity and experience in managing tourism projects in public‐private partnership, with successful
results such as: the Tela Bay Tourism Development and the Cruise Ship Pier Port of Roatan.
A. CONSTITUTION
The Constitution of the Republic of Honduras guarantees and promotes foreign investment, subject to
state supervision. As economic activity under the investment process corresponds primarily for
individuals, in which context, the State protects social interest. It contains several topics related to
tourism such as conservation, restoration and maintenance of the anthropological, archaeological,
historical and artistic wealth, as well as the protection of natural beauty, monuments and reserved areas
and the preservation of native cultures, folk arts, the national crafts and folklore.
evaluation, other public entities acting as initiators should request COALIANZA’s support for the
formulation of projects in order to join the System.
Regulation, Control and Follow‐Up
Sector regulatory entities created by special laws will be responsible for the execution of works and
supply of services through the Public‐Private Partnership modality. In the absence of a regulatory entity,
the Superintendence of Public‐Private Partnerships created by the Law for the Promotion of Public‐
Private Partnerships will be in charge.
Transparency
Public‐Private Partnerships are subject to a stringent transparency regime. The Law for the Promotion of
Public‐Private Partnerships establishes that the financial and non‐financial risks, guarantees, future
commitments and fiscal contingencies are determined by the Finances Secretariat (SEFIN) based on a
fiscal risk analysis conducted by the National Commission for Public Credit. SEFIN also has authority to
issue provisions to register the firm and contingent quantifiable commitments as well as the enforced
guarantees.
Companies will give preference to workers from vulnerable sectors and will hire 5% of the total payroll
of permanent workers; in the case of companies or production units with 1 to 15 employees, such
percentage will be up 10%.
Remuneration
It is defined based on two concepts:
a) Basic wage (per hour and not less than the minimum wage).
b) Non‐customary compensation (equivalent to 20% of the agreed basic wage).
Workers’ Rights
Workers hired under the Program will have the rights established in the Labor Code, will be protected by
the Law of the Honduran Social Security Institute and the laws concerning health, hygiene and safety of
the Labor Code, and will be subject to the fees contemplated by the Law of the National Institute of
Professional Formation.
Workers hired under the National Hourly Employment Program have the right to first option to cover a
permanent position open in the companies or production units included in the Program.
Competent Entity and Coordination
The Secretariat for Labor and Social Welfare is responsible for monitoring and controlling the execution
of the National Hourly Employment Program. It will also chair the Follow‐Up Commission that is formed
by 3 representatives of the Workers’ Confederation and 3 representatives of the Honduran Council of
Private Enterprise.
Financial Resources and Training
The Technical Secretariat for Planning and External Cooperation will provide support to the Secretariat
for Labor and Social Welfare for obtaining resources to train the workers included in the Program.
Its goal is to participate in the promotion and development of tourism according to the Tourism
Development Plan and to establish funding mechanisms for the tourism sector.
The IHT promotes the declaration of Tourism areas and the creation of tourism businesses.
It is also responsible for establishing the requirements for Tourism Service Providers and the National
Tourism Registry .
Description of Urban Zones
The constitutional restriction applies to rural areas but not urban areas. This is the base to qualify urban
as the land located in areas that by their tourism potential have been declared "tourist areas". In these
cases, Dominion over such property may be acquired by natural persons or legal entities, provided it is
intended for tourism projects qualified and approved by the Ministry of Tourism.
Benefits for Foreigners
The Law on Acquisition of Urban Assets provides that Foreigners may acquire :
a) Urban properties in the areas mentioned for second or permanent housing, provided that they do not have
more than 3.000 square meters.
b) Condo or other property subject to horizontal property regime (the construction shall be completed within 36
months following the acquisition of property, except force majeure, otherwise, the tax will be applied).
or remodeling of the structures of assets that are part of the Cultural Heritage, respecting the right of
ownership. It also authorizes the production of replicas or casts of archaeological objects and motifs.
VIII.ZOLITUR MANAGEMENT
ZOLITUR management is under the responsibility of the Administrative Commission that reports to the
Secretariat for Finances, which is in charge of coordinating the activities carried out by the public and
private sector to develop the Free Tourist Zone.
Tax Obligations
National or foreign, natural or juridical persons under the Special ZOLITUR System entering into the
territory of the Zone or keeping investments in such territory are required to declare and pay, as the
case may be, the following taxes and duties:
a) 4% in replacement of the capital gains tax reported in the income tax return that will be paid on the capital
gains obtained from each transaction.
b) Fees intended for environmental conservation and ZOLITUR security, as follows:
c) US$2.00 or its equivalent in lempira to be paid by each passenger reported in the sea transportation
manifesto, coming from a foreign country to the ZOLITUR territory.
d) US$6.00 or its equivalent in lempira, to be paid by each foreign passenger or visitor coming from a foreign
country and entering the ZOLITUR territory by air.
e) US$1.00 or its equivalent in lempira to be paid by each passenger entering the territory of the Free‐Tourist
Zone by air or by sea, using domestic transportation
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Ministry of Tourism / Honduran Institute
www.iht.hn
of Tourism SETUR / IHT
Other state agencies: Free Tourist Zone
ZOLITUR www.zolitur.gob.hn
Bay Islands
Private Sector: National Chamber of
CANATURH www.canaturh.org
Tourism of Honduras