Between January and July this year the number of cruise passengers arriving in Roatan increased by 12% compared to the same period in 2010.
Tourism in Roatan continues to grow significantly. In the first half of the year 200 ships arrived on the island, of which 78 entered through the port of Roatan and the remaining 122 via Mahogani Bay.
An article in Proceso.hn states: "projections by the Economic Analysis Unit of the Ministry of Tourism estimate that at the end of the year, there could be 900,000 cruise passengers, according to the scheduler from both ports.
Tourism businessmen expect demand to surpass their 2.500 room supply for the upcoming holiday season.
The island of Roatán currently has 2.500 available rooms, and local businessmen expect 20.000 visitors for these Eastern Holidays.
"Romeo Silvestre, a local entrepreneur, explained they expect a 75% deficit in terms of hotel rooms, as they will receive three times as many visitors as any other week".
CM Airways and Central American Airlines presented new touristic promotions and added airplanes to their fleets.
Héctor Motiño, CEO of Central American Airways, explained they purchased 4 new airplanes, which they used to open new routes: San Pedro Sula – La Ceiba, La Ceiba – Roatán and Roatán – Tegucigalpa.
Meanwhile, CM announced it will operate a new route to Puerto Lempira, in the “Gracias a Dios” department.
The recent incidents have led the Secretary of Tourism to prepare a plan for the development of this tourist destination.
The Minister of Tursimo, Ricardo Martínez, said that among the tasks in the plan is the improvement of security on the island as well as an increase in the number of police.
Laprensahn.com published the Minister’s comments: "The plan seeks to implement a Labor Relations Office for complaints and solve children’s problems such as begging and delinquency. The plan also provides professional training programs for personnel working in the hotels on the island."
The Canadian airline has confirmed that it will cover the route with a weekly flight on Fridays.
Elheraldo.hn reports: "Initially the authorization is to fly from December to May, but based on the results of the first four flights, company executives have decided to extend their operations for the rest of 2009.
The news was glad received by sectors linked to tourism, since Sky Service will cover the opening left by TACA, which since January 11 has canceled its Miami-Roatan flight and vice-versa.