Rio Platano, land of enchantment

Rafting through the heart of the Rio Platano Biosphere

By ROBERTO GALLARDO
Special to Honduras This Week

(First of Three Parts)

The Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve, located in eastern Honduras, is more than just a reserve, a biosphere or river with a name. It is more than just a place on a map or some far away long forgotten territory. It is a land of sheer beauty, power, serenity, grace and mystery that will instill awe upon anyone who has any appreciation for nature and cultures. 

For within its dense forests and sacred mountains, winding along its rivers, sweeping across its plains, sounding its lagoons, crashing upon its beaches and searching the souls of its peoples lie something that runs deeper than any scientist of anthropologist could ever comprehend. It is a place where unimaginable forces have been at work for millennia, melding and mutating each and every component; living or inanimate, to form what we can visibly see today. It is literally a natural wonderland; a jewel and island in a sea of an ever-increasing human population who puts the care of the environment that they depend on in the back of their minds. 

The Biosphere was formed in 1980 as a World Heritage Site under UNESCO. To achieve this status an area must show certain characteristics such as its size, sustainable development, biodiversity and cultural heritage. The Biosphere demonstrates each and every component and by no means on a small scale. It encompasses about 830,000 hectares, but is connected to other areas such as the Sierra Rio Tinto, Sierra de Agalta National Park, Asangni Tawahka Biosphere and the Bosawas Reserve in northeastern Nicaragua. It is one vast system that encompasses perhaps some three million hectares and can be likened to a small Amazona that comprises the largest tract of continuos forested area in Central America. Within the Biosphere live the Miskito, Garifuna, Pech, Tawahka and Ladino cultures that total some 410,000 people. 

These people live almost entirely off the land using the resources, in both a sustainable and irrational manner, that time has so intricately evolved. Some fish the ocean coastline and lagoons while others seek old growth hardwoods for dugout canoes. Some use the forest as a source of game meat while others misuse the forest when they clear it for cattle. Extreme abuse comes when outsiders from Culmi, Catacamas and even Tegucigalpa enter to dynamite the upper Platano River and indiscriminately kill the prized Cuyamel fish that are salted and sold in the streets around Holy Week. Large groups of people hike into the upper watershed with mule trains and hunt wildlife to sustain themselves during their “fishing” trip. What they do is totally illegal and everyone who buys it should feel guilty for being part of the problem. During six days of rafting on the river there were only about two full days where the hunters have not depleted the fish populations. One can observe a variety of habitats including miles of coastline, huge inland mangrove-lined lagoons, pine/grassland savannas, long winding rivers and pristine lowland and mid-elevation rainforest. This mixture of habitats provides a rich growing and breeding grounds for an endless array of flora and fauna. It is a Naturalist’s dreamland where one could be lost for years amidst the solid walls of towering trees, dangling epiphytes and crystal clear streams. Its enticing landscapes and creatures have the enchanting powers to hypnotize even the most focused individual. The following story is of one such Naturalist, myself, Robert Gallardo, who after living in the Biosphere for over a year finally got the opportunity to briefly visit the core zone. I would be the first with extensive knowledge in Honduran flora and fauna to pass through the area and would record new species for the country. 

According to the local saying (which I made up today), “As tourism goes in Guatemala.... So goes tourism in Honduras”. Tourism is stronger in Guatemala and a large percentage of Honduras bound traveler’s wind up crossing directly into Honduras via the border crossings at Agua Caliente, Ocotepeque and El Florido, Copan Ruinas. In addition a small number also fly from Guatemala City to San Pedro Sula. If recent numbers are any indicator tourism in Guatemala is doing quite well these days thank you. During the Jan 2002 - May 2002 period tourism in Guatemala has seen a 4.1% increase according to the Guatemalan Tourism Institute. This is in spite of the worldwide post-9/11 downturn in tourism worldwide. During this period 366,512 tourists entered Guatemala, 27,588 more then during the same period last year. Copan Ruinas especially is directly influenced by incoming tourism from Guatemala. Our proximity to the border, a scant 7 miles or so, make it a natural side trip for tourists in Guatemala. For those seeking a first class beach and reef experience, many travelers continue on from Copan Ruinas to the North Coast (Tela, La Ceiba and Trujillo) and as well head offshore to the Bay Islands. Guatemala offers little in the way of Caribbean white sand beaches and no reef diving, so Honduras is poised to receive an ever increasing share of Guatemala tourists seeking these popular products. 

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What’s the latest in hotel services? Well look no further than the phone jack in the wall next to your desk, yes, broad band high speed Internet connections are now being installed at fine hotel properties the world over. In 2002, 1,782 hotels around the globe offered broad band in their rooms up from 984 in 2001. In the USA the task is made easier by hollow wall construction as opposed to Europe where old historic hotels make installation difficult if not impossible due to the prohibitive costs of installation.

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The National Chamber of Tourism headed up by Raul Welchez of Hotel Marina Copan and MC Tours has had its first series of meetings and has made a series of recommendations to the government. One suggestion which makes tons of sense and would be so simple to implement is to make certain national holidays fall on a Monday in order to give workers a three day weekend whereby they can engage in a bit of tourism on their long weekends. Other recommendations include; the liberalization of rules for casinos, the construction of a cruise ship pier in Omoa, develop additional museums and protect historic buildings in downtown areas around the country, attract charter flights, reduce air fares, seek to attract additional air carriers from Europe and foment the idea of eco-beach tourism on the Atlantic coast amongst other recommendations. As I’ve stated in this column previously, the Maduro administration has made tourism a top government priority and all eyes are fixed on tourism as the one sector with the most possibility to generate substantial hard currency for the country over the next four years, especially in light of falling commodity prices for virtually all of Honduras’ basic exports.

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No news may be bad news, when it comes to press reports a ways back, which touted the possibility that Iberia would possibly begin to offer direct flights to Honduras from Spain. As of right now there is exactly one flight per week from Europe direct to Honduras. A charter flight flies Milan, Italy to Roatan once per week carrying a full load of 200 Italian tourists bound for the Henry Morgan Resort which is run by the Italian based resort company Gran Viagge. 

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Next week stay tuned for a special Copan Update ‘ Live From Roatan ‘ where you’ll get up close and personal with all that’s new and hot on that breezy, sun drenched resort island.

500-year commemoration – new dive site established in Guanaja

The busts and Spanish cannons pictured will form part of the Mestizo Reef dive site that will be inaugurated to commemorate the 500-year anniversary of the discovery of Central America by Christopher Columbus. 

TEGUCIGALPA — Guanaja is set to become an important part of international dive tourism when it launches a new dive site to celebrate the meeting between Christopher Columbus and the local Indians 500 years ago.

The new dive site, called the Mestizo Reef, is located in 65 feet of water and includes two life-size head-and-shoulder sculptures of Christopher Columbus and a representative of the native Indians in Guanaja, a partial shipwreck and is surrounded by genuine artifacts such as Spanish cannons, a 16th century bell and a number of vases and other objects from that period.

The Mestizo Reef was created by the owner of Posada Del Sol resort, George Cundriff and the manager of the resort’s dive center, Tino Monterroso, as a tribute to the island of Guanaja. “This celebration of the fusion of European and Indian cultures. The history of the island is so rich and colorful, and it was a natural reaction for us to want to capture that history and turn it into something permanent, for both the people of the island, as well as visitors, to enjoy and experience, says Carla Flores Gomez of Posada Del Sol.
The municipality of Guanaja, as well as Posada Del Sol resort and the Bonnacca Foundation (a non-profit environmental and community enhancement organization set up by Carlos Flores Gomez of Posada Del Sol) have prepared a fun and educational program of cultural and artistic activities for the celebration of the 500-year anniversary.

The program will commence with an exclusive inauguration of the Mestizo Reef on the weekend of July 26 to July 29. This weekend will provide the opportunity for special guests to get to know the island while being pampered wined and dined.

On Tuesday, July 30, the official date of the arrival of Columbus to the island, the municipality of Guanaja has arranged for an island carnival, which will feature boat parades fireworks and special island parties. “The aim of the exclusive inauguration weekend is to raise funs for the Bonnacca Foundation. This weekend has been extremely well received by corporate Honduras, and it is wonderful to see how dedicated companies in Honduras are helping a good cause. The weekend package will have a few pleasant surprises for the companies that have supported the Foundation – but we’re not saying any more, says Flores Gomez.

Thierry de Pierrefeu, the Minister of Tourism, has congratulated Posada Del Sol on its commitment to the preservation of the ecology of the island and the enhancement of tourism attractions. 
“Ensuring that tourists visiting our country are happy is our top priority. We can only make them happy if we continuously strive to improve on the quality of the product we are offering, this means tourism attractions, activities, accommodations and restaurants and, of course, service levels.”

And now for some history..

During his fourth and last voyage to the Americas, the legendary admiral Christopher Columbus sailed to Hispaniola along the Caribbean coast of Central America in search of the straight linking the Indies with the Indian Ocean. Instead of finding the Straight of Malacca (which is actually near Singapore), Columbus had reached Central America.

500 years ago, almost to the day, Christopher Columbus, along with his son and brother, arrived on Guanaja, the tallest of the Bay Islands, after losing 20 of his ships in a hurricane. It is said when the Spaniards arrived on the island; some Indians were also pulling their canoe ashore. It was eight feet wide and had room for about 25 men, plus some women and children. For shelter from extreme sunlight and bad weather, the Indians built a roof of palm fronds gathered on the islands. The canoe was made from one tree, and this is still the norm in both Garifuna and Miskito Indian communities. 

Bay Islands to host top international triathlon in 2003

Race expected to draw more than 300 international athletes from US, Canada, Caribbean and Central & South America

The "killer" hill between West Bay and West End is said to be one of the most challenging of the sport.

By SANDRA SAMPAYO

ROATAN, BAY ISLANDS - The Bay Islands will become an important part of the international triathlon circuit when it hosts the Bay Islands International Triathlon in early March next year.

The triathlon, organized by Bay Islands Marketing and Kemkon, Inc., will be the first International Triathlon Union (ITU)-rated race to take place in Central America - this means that it could grow into a qualifier for the top international races such as the Hawaii Ironman in a few years.

An 'international' triathlon incorporates a 1.5km swim, a 40km cycle and a 10km run. Not wanting to leave anyone out, the organizers have included a sprint distance for the 'not-so-fit'. The sprint distance includes an 800m swim, a 20km cycle and a 5km run. 
"This is a very important event for the Bay Islands as it will draw attention to the destination. Our main objective for attracting and organizing international events is to find the kind of event that will create international media awareness as well as fill the hotels. The triathlon will do this for the Bay Islands, especially since our US partner has managed to convince one of the US number one triathletes to compete in our race, " says an official from Bay Islands Marketing. 

Although the event will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2003 the organizers have ensured that athletes visiting the islands are able to enjoy the features that make the Bay Islands such an exciting destination. 

As such, they have arranged for an activity schedule that includes special carbo-loading evenings at participating restaurants, volleyball tournaments on the beach, tours of the island, diving and snorkeling excursions and a number of training events.

Ricardo Merren, governor of the Bay Islands, believes that it will be important for everyone, from airport handlers to taxi drivers, to show these guests (as with all guests visiting the islands) just how friendly islanders can be. "We want to ensure that people who visit the islands for the triathlon return with their families and friends, and the way to do this is to ensure that they have a fantastic time. We plan to convince them to come back, and to tell all their friends about us," says governor Merren. 
The islands can expect about 300 athletes from the US, Canada, the Caribbean, South and Central American regions. 

These athletes are expected to receive red-carpet treatment from the moment they arrive at the airport.

"One of the most important aspects of a grueling athletic event is that the athletes get a good night sleep before the race, and what better way to wake up than at a top-notch resort or hotel on a lush Caribbean island. Our participating hotels will make sure that there is plenty comfort, tranquillity and carbohydrates before the race," concludes Bay Islands Marketing. 

People who would like more information on the triathlon or who would like to register, can contact Sandra Sampayo or Cindi Williams at Bay Islands Marketing on +504 455-5841 or email:info@bayislandstourism.com or Leslie Poujol Brown at info@bayislandstriathlon.com.

War declared on mosquitoes

By DON PEARLY

ROATAN - In a recent interview with Doctor Daniel J. Dobbert, world renowned expert on insect eradication, we learned the Government of Honduras has finally and officially declared all out war on Mosquitoes and Sand Flies.

Tourism Minister Thierry de Pierrefeu personally invited Dr. Dobbert to return to Honduras for high level meetings. At those meetings, officials were to create an immediate game plan. Mr. Moises Mojica, a highly respected Honduran Entomologist has been commissioned to accompany Dr. Dobbert during his in-depth tour of the Bay Islands in order to asses the specific and unique problems facing the thickly forested and swamp like areas.

It seems the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Culture are already financially participating with this effort, and soon it is thought the Ministry of Health will also join forces. When the mosquito problem is brought under control, the Dengue and Malaria problems will be under control. 

As a side benefit, the pesky sand fly will also be a thing of the past allowing the visiting tourists a nearly bug free environment.

I have had first hand experience with Dr. Dobbert, his pest control products, his recommended equipment, and his manual application methods, and can assure you they work perfectly. 

When they seem to be not quite 100 % effective, it can always be traced to the human factor. Perhaps a targeted area was neglected, perhaps a wrong mixture for the pest control products, maybe a time commitment was forgotten etc. The management of pests is on going, but if it is maintained on a regular schedule with the proper care in disbursing the spray, it is, in my opinion, 99 % successful.

Dr. Dobbert reports that several private entities on Roatan are at the present time already doing their own intensive pest control projects. 

They have been experiencing various degrees of success probably due to one thing or another missing from their formula, or their schedules. With the Doctor's guidance and management methods, these well meaning private companies will be rewarded with the first bug free areas in the country. 

Among those working at this civic improvement situation are Palmetto, Mayan Princess Resort, Anthony's Key Resort, Parrot Tree Plantation and Fantasy Island Resort.

The priority on this project is so high it just might begin during the second half of August, believe it or not, in the year 2002 meaning certain areas of the country can be declared bug free.

Did you know that the maquila-manufacturing sector in Honduras generates some 120,000 direct jobs, making the industry the nations' number one employer? In the ZIP Choloma industrial park for example, the ELCA fabrics plant operates 24/7 with 1,500 workers using thread purchased in Mexico and the US and producing 800,000 lbs. of fabric per week to supply other Honduran apparel manufacturers. However one nations' gain in jobs is another one's loss. Since 1979 the US has lost more than four million manufacturing jobs or 20% of it's manufacturing workforce. South Carolina, which was formerly a major textile producer, has lost 53,900 textile jobs since the US-Mexico free trade agreement went into effect. The Honduran maquila sector is heavily into clothing assembly for the US market. However if Honduras is to truly develop it's budding maquila sector, the future lies in branching out to other more technical production such as automotive parts and light appliances, etc. 

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The tourism private sector is constantly on the lookout for new niches to exploit and market to. Honduras has long been a destination of choice for many such niches or specialty tourism markets. Honduras is well known as a major dive destination; Copan Ruinas is a major stop on the Mundo Maya circuit; Eco-tourism has taken hold at least on a small scale in La Mosquitia and on the North Coast, mission tourism brings in church groups from wide and far to work on social projects, language school tourism has take hold in places like La Ceiba, Utila and Copan Ruinas. The new Barcelo Resort near La Ceiba will soon be a destination for the all-inclusive, fun and sun crowd from San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa as well as foreign visitors. High end travelers now have a variety of upscale hotels and resorts to chose from; The Lodge at Pico Bonito near La Ceiba, The Mayan Princess on West Bay, the Hotel Marina in Copan Ruinas amongst others, all attract a more upscale clientele. 

Another niche which will play a large role in Honduran tourism in the not too distant future are Hondurans who live and work in the US who return to Honduras to visit family and unwind on vacation. Over 1/2 million Hondurans live in the US, a number which has jumped in recent years after some 100,000 Hondurans were granted Temporary Protection Status in the US as a result of Hurricane Mitch. The Hispanic population in the US has been growing by leaps and bounds in recent years. The Hispanic population in the US grew 58% between 1990 - 2000 and close to 35% of that population is under 18. Money sent by Hondurans living in the US to relatives back in Honduras now makes up the largest portion of the economy here with over $1/2 billion to be sent this year. In terms of tourism, this huge group of young, economically active Hondurans in the US will be returning to Honduras for vacations in droves, bringing with them pockets full of hard earned dollars that are pumped directly into the economy at all levels, the tourism sector being just one sector of the economy which will see direct benefits from what I term "Honduran/Ex-pat Tourism." Remember that tourism to Honduras last year took in only $300 million, imagine how much money 600,000 Hondurans on an R&R break from their jobs in the US will spend on Honduran shores seeking a dose of sun, fun and family reunions. 

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Copans' Tropical Bird Park continues it's date with destiny. Upon completion it will be the nations' number one tropical bird park and is destined to become one of Copans' top tourism attractions. Construction continues on its' extensive network of trails and decks, a riverside restaurant, visitors center and gift shop, and coffee production exhibit, stay tuned to Copan Update for details and grand opening date.

Been to Tela lately?  Well if not, you’ll be happy to know that the newly formed Honduras Tourism Police are, as we speak, patrolling the highways, byways and beaches of Tela.  The first platoon of tourism police, called the “ Jaguars “ were sent to Tela last March as a test run for the project with the plan to expand the tourism police to all major tourism poles in Honduras over the coming three years. This is one of the best ideas to come from the Ministry of Security and the Ministry of Tourism in regards to safeguarding tourists in a long time and let’s hope that the tourism private sector opens it’s wallets and supports the project wholeheartedly.  The French government has committed to supporting the tourism police with specialized training and equipment.

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Did you know that, Part 1?  It is estimated by some bankers,  that Hondurans have socked away some $1 billion in dollar savings outside the country, the majority in banks in the US.  Part of the reason is a lack of confidence in the Honduran banking system, especially when one considers how many small/weaker banks and finance institutions have shut their doors in recent years. 

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Did you also know that,.Part 2?  Hondutel, the national telecom currently has 260,000 telephone lines and faces an unmet demand of 1/2 million lines.   The lone wireless operator Celtel, has rapidly increased their customer base - (in spite of very high rates) due to the inability of Hondutel to cover the demand for new phone lines.  What everyone is anxiously waiting for now is that a second wireless player enter the market which will provide a much needed stimulus and a healthy dose of free market competition to the scene. The government attempted to sell off 51% of Hondutel during the administration of Carlos Flores, but the privatization deal fell through when only one telecom actually put in a bid, which was way below the minimum bid price established by the government. 

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Did you know that, Part 3?  According to the Travel Industry Association of America.  The family vacation is making a robust comeback.  In the past year, 37% of leisure travelers took a trip with their kids, compared with only 26% two years earlier.  However, the days of the all sacred and untouchable two week vacation have all but gone the way of the nuclear family and the LP record, only 14% of all vacations today last seven nights or more and almost 1/2 of all vacations involves staying with friends or relatives - an amazing statistic when you think about it!   Another survey found that 29% of grandparents had traveled with their grandchildren in the previous 12 months.  This year that number jumped to 35%.  Another interesting stat; the more people travel with their kids, the less they seem to enjoy it (hardly a surprise to any of us who are parents! ); 78% of parents said they found traveling with children a rewarding experience in 2001, compared with 84% in 1999.  Still, travel experts predict this mini boom in “ family friendly “ vacations will continue.  

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The Honduran government will soon declare the Bay Islands as a Marine Reserve.  The purpose behind this is to better protect the reef eco-system which is threatened by unplanned development and lack of effective environmental regulations. 

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In other Bay Islands News: According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Spanish resort chains Barcelo and Sol Melia are planing to construct their first resort property on Roatan in the municipality of Jose Santos Guardiola.  Barcelo opened their first Honduran property, Palma Real, this past Easter just outside of La Ceiba.  Roatan already has a Italian Resort - The Henry Morgan on West Bay Beach.

SOL AIR, your airline, your obligation

The aircraft that will be flown is a Boeing 737-300

By DON PEARLY

Already the Honduran people have been saving thousands and thousands of dollars on their travel tickets to the United States and this before SOL AIR even gets off the ground. The competition is apparently running scared and prices have dropped as if by magic. Now it is our patriotic duty to keep the pressure on so the airfares do not magically increase again. 

The name of the game is competition. When competition rears its lovely head, businesses tighten up their operations so they can lower their prices to the public and can keep their share of the market. This is the healthiest atmosphere possible and it is what free enterprise is all about.

To keep prices down is but one reason to fly SOL AIR. Another is that we can now proudly say we have a Honduran airline qualified to take us to and from foreign countries. To be accredited for entry and operation in the U.S. takes considerable preparation and SOL AIR has done it all. Their first flights will begin on July 12th, taking travelers from Miami to San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa, then on to Managua and San Salvador. The cost of Miami/Honduras round trip ticket will be $399. Period. No extra fees on holidays and this rate will apply to all seats on the plane except for the Maya Class (first class) section, all year around. There will be no "loss-leaders" such as those utilized by other airlines, designed to lure you into calling only to find out the few seats allocated at that price are already taken by "Preferred Customers." In other words, no gimmicks will be used, just truth in advertising. SOL AIRLINES will also change your travel dates without penalty allowing you to go and come at your convenience.

They also offer full meal service and complimentary beverages just like the good old days. Maya Class costs only $100.00 extra but they assure us it is well worth the upgrade. Don't allow a few dollars one way or the other to sway your ticket purchase. Go SOL AIR because it is "your airline."

Call your favorite travel agent, whether in the United States or Honduras, and inquire about the details and flight schedules. But please do not let them change your mind about flying "your airline," our brand new SOL AIR.

Last minute up-date. We were just informed of a Grand Opening Special.  With the purchase of your round trip ticket to any of the four destinations, a second companion" ticket comes free. Bring along a friend and both fly for the $ 399.00 rate. Call your travel agent, he or she will know all the details.

Botanical gardens breathe life into Copan Ruinas' central plaza

Five palms move - Roystanea Palms, beautiful and feathery but too much of a good thing, of the five in this area two will be moved to allow for future root expansion.

By ELIZABETH NUTTER-VALLADARES
Special to Honduras The Week

COPAN RUINAS - The Central Plaza of Copan Ruinas will be undergoing a major change in landscaping design. The Municipal Corporation, using a landscape plan voluntarily contributed by Mimi de Castro, will be developing botanical gardens in and around the central plaza. This area will be a living comprehensive learning facility right in the heart of Copan Ruinas. The project got underway in February 2002 and is scheduled for completion September 2002. Although the Municipality does not yet have complete funding for all the plants that they wish to introduce, they have been able to save money by recycling many specimens. The plants designated for reuse have been inventoried, bagged in enriched soil, and stored in a temporary plant nursery. 

Mimi de Castro, a 14 year resident of Copan Ruinas, holds a degree in Design and has experience in landscape design, implementation, and maintenance. She has completed projects both in Honduras and in theUnited States. She presented a design concept and a budget for the ten existing garden areas of the Central Plaza. She has long studied the growing habits of tropical plants and understands their visual effect on the environment. The new gardens will be full of color year round. Some plants will be in continuous bloom and others will blossom in accordance with seasonal changes. Other specimens will surprise the passerby with the aroma of perfumed blossoms. The plans for this project are on display in the Municipality and will remain there until the project is finished. It is an informative well put together exhibit that explains the sequence of the work. Every morning Monday trough Friday you can see Mimi with her assigned municipality helpers working in the Central Plaza. She is happy to answer questions. 

After the plants designated for reuse were inventoried, bagged and stored, the soil needed to be nourished. The soil in and around Copan Ruinas is clay based and therefore a difficult medium in which to plant. Fortunately, Copan Ruinas is also an agricultural area and rich in natural fertilizers. Advocating organic gardening, Mimi has been able to stockpile natural fertilizers by asking for donations from the area. At present the workers are digging in rice hulls, aged steer and horse manure, and coffee hulls.

When choosing trees she investigated their root growth pattern to insure that the specimens would not endanger the surrounding Plaza in the future. 

The Municipality wanted assurance that the new plantings would not wreak havoc with the plaza as did the old plantings of Fichus benjaminas. Another consideration for the Municipality was in the choosing of non fruiting trees that would have re-attracted the invasive bird colony that inhabited the Ficus trees in the past. These same birds had claimed the Ficus trees of the Plaza and made it unusable due to the quantity of excrement deposited daily. Many local children and some tourists walked barefoot in this area and others sat enjoying the ambiance all the while unknowingly exposing themselves to respiratory and viral infection. 

The botanical gardens will be a proud addition for local, international, and national visitors. Future plans include wrought iron fencing to protect the areas and botanical nameplates. Mrs. Castro plans on training a caretaker so that the future of the gardens will be ensured. An informative brochure in Spanish and English with a plant identification list will be available at the end of the project in the Municipality. 

This information can be reproduced for schools, hotels, and area tours. The changes however do not come free. Although the Municipality has provided workers and Mrs. Castro has donated countless hours of her time and expertise and vegetation is being reused, other plants need to be purchased. While the soil is being refurbished there is an effort to fundraise the remaining 20,000 lempiras (Approximately $1,300) needed for the completion of this phase. Anyone interested in making a donation may do so by contacting or stopping by the Municipality in Copan Ruinas. 

`According to the latest figures, the Ministry of Tourism's budget is Lps 94.3 million, which translates to approximately $6 million. The current administration has pegged the development of tourism as a top priority over the next four years. 

According to the Minister of Tourism, Honduras will see it's tourism numbers jump in the coming four years with projections pointing to the arrival of 1 million foreign tourists and the generation of 30,000 direct and 40,000 indirect jobs. 

The Ministry of Tourism is working in a number of key priority areas such as the Bay Islands, the long talked about Tela Bay Project, the Copan Ruinas airport as well as the North Coast, Colonial and Lenca routes. The government is seeking to foster integrated tourism development in each of these priority areas. 

As evidence that all things tourism are indeed moving in the right direction, the government is pointing to a number of recent developments that have come to fruition. The Barcelo Hotel Group, based in Spain has opened its first property in Honduras. 

Located just outside of La Ceiba, near the village of Roma, the newly inaugurated resort will feature the entire requisite of "bells and whistles" that is standard in an all-inclusive resort. The Resort is currently packing in the local crowd on weekends with an all you can eat and drink policy at a moderate price. 

Grupo Barcelo is looking to increase their number of properties to 200 resorts with 50,000 rooms worldwide in the coming years. They currently have properties in Spain, Latin America, the Philippines and Africa. Fifty percent of the group's hotels are located in 11 Latin American countries. Barcelo currently has 15 properties in Central America with the goal to increase to 20 over the next two years. Word has it that Barcelo is looking at the Honduran Bay Islands as a future point for expansion of Honduran operations. 

Another piece of positive tourism news is the upcoming inauguration of service of Honduras' newest air carrier and the first to hit the skies since the Honduran carrier Tan Sahsa went out of business many years back. Sol Air will initiate service on July 12 utilizing two-leased Boeing 737 - 300's. Sol Air's bread and butter will be the Tegucigalpa - San Pedro - Miami route with two flights per day. Sol will offer passenger's free drinks on board (always a welcome perk!) and competitive prices. 

Although not yet a done deal, press reports have indicated that Iberia Airlines is considering utilizing San Pedro Sula as a hub for it's Central America operations. At the present time mainland Honduras offers no direct flights in or out to Europe. 
Iberia currently serves San Pedro Sula with a flight to Miami where passengers change for a Europe bound Iberia flight. The only direct service between Europe and Honduras at this time is a weekly 767 charter flight arriving from Milan and landing on Roatan where an Italian resort company operates the Henry Morgan on West Bay Beach. Together with the presence of the Spanish Barcelo Resort Group in Honduras, the arrival of direct flight with Iberia would give Honduras more clout in the important Spanish sun and fun tourism market. Competitive fares combined with all inclusive tourist class resorts, combined with an integrated product offering will make Honduras a more attractive destination. 

And a final piece of good news that further indicates that the concept of an integrated tourism product is more than just a bunch of "fancy shmancy words," Tela based Garifuna Tours will open an office in La Ceiba in July. Garifuna Tours has long been the ecotourism operator of choice, offering trips to Punta Sal and Punto Izopo National Parks. Now they will be able to offer the Pico Bonito and Cuero y Salado National Parks as well as rafting on the Cangrejal River and trips to Cayos Cochinos, in short, a full range of North Coast ectourism products will be available directly from a top of the line tour operation.