This implies the loss of 24.000 tourists next season (Oct/2010 – May/2011). Guillermo Novielli, sub director of the Guatemalan Tourism Institute, stated they will talk with the company to determine the cause of this decision.

Prensalibre.com reported: “It is not yet clear why the company is leaving the country, but some tourism companies argue that it could be influenced by a recent $10 tax charged to every incoming tourist”.

Source: prensalibre.com

More on this topic

Florida Caribbean Cruise Association to Visit Honduras

February 2012

The Florida Caribbean Cruise Representatives Association (FCCA) wants to personally see sites that may be suitable for installing luxury cruise terminals in the future.

A high level delegation from the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) will visit Honduras next week to learn about different locations in the Honduran Caribbean that could become luxury cruise terminals, revealed the Ministry of Tourism.

Cruise Tourism in Central America Growing

July 2011

Countries are making significant efforts to strengthen this sector, according to the Tourism Promotion Agency of Central America.

Honduras recently reported the arrival of 470,000 cruise passengers in the first six months of 2011, over 188 cruise ships, 115 of which landed in Mohogany Bay, which recently opened a new dock.

Honduras To Welcome Cruise Ship ‘Epic’

March 2010

The ship, owner by U.S cruise ship company NCL, has included the port of Roatán in its Mexican route.

Epic will dock at Roatán on July, carrying 4.200 passengers.

“During their stay in the island of Roatan, tourists spend an average $70 in excursions, $54 in crafts, $72 in entertainment and $45 in transportation”, reported Elheraldo.hn.

Arrival of cruise ships at risk in Guatemala

January 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line conditioned the arrival of its cruise ships to the country on whether the Government continues to insist on charging the $10 departure tax for each tourist.

Prensalibre.com reports that "The company is threatening to take its 27 ships, which it was planning to bring to Guatemala this year, to other countries.