Honduras - Travel & Tourism Honduras - Travel & Tourism
This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Overview
Visitor arrivals from Central America to the United States are experiencing an upward trend, with an average growth rate of 11 percent in the last three years. The close proximity (only a 2.5-hour flight to U.S. main gateway cities) and the high receptivity for U.S. products and services make the United States a preferred destination for Honduran travelers. With a population of 9.1 million, the country’s economic growth in recent years has the potential to prompt more middle-class travelers to the United States. In 2018, Honduran arrivals in the United States totaled 213,389, up 3.3 percent from 2017.
| 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 estimated (estimated) | |
| Honduran Arrivals to the United States | 173,859 | 193,347 | n/a | n/a |
| Percent Change | 14 percent | 11.2 percent |
Note: Visitor arrivals data for 2017 is not yet available and is being revised during Calendar-Year 2018 by the National Trade & Tourism Office (NTTO).
Sub-Sector Best Prospects
When Hondurans travel to the United States, they focus their spending on:
- Shopping malls and outlets/retail
- Hotels/motels/restaurants
- Transportation services (airlines, vehicle rentals, bus and rail between cities)
- Entertainment/recreational activities/services (sightseeing; theme parks; small towns/countryside; national parks/monuments; museums; night clubs; sports)
- Business/conventions (conferences, seminars, trade shows)
- Hospitals/clinics/medical services
- Education
Market Challenges
Once a travel visa is issued, Hondurans do not find serious challenges to travel to the United States.
Opportunities
The most popular destinations for Honduran visitors in the United States are: Miami, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, New York City, and Los Angeles. Washington, DC, New Orleans, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, and Las Vegas are also popular. Florida is the preferred choice for leisure travel by Hondurans with over 51 percent of the market share. The typical visitor to the U.S. has visited at least once before.
Companies and professionals are learning new techniques and strategies to become more competitive and, therefore, professionals and businesspeople are increasingly attending U.S. trade shows, conventions, and seminars. USDOC visitation estimates are 12 nights for the average length of stay in the U.S., and 1 state visited. Industry sources estimate that the greatest proportion of Honduran visitors are in the age groups of 35-44, married and professional, followed by the age groups of 25-34, and 15-24 years of age.
The U.S. Commercial Service office in Honduras, in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce, is active in promoting U.S. travel and tourism destinations through the recently established “Visit USA Committee.”
Major Airlines into the US and Hubs (Any new routes expected in the next year):
Major airlines with direct routes to the United States include American Airlines (Miami), United (Houston), Delta (Atlanta). Other major airlines into the United States from Honduras include Avianca, COPA, and Spirit.
Major holidays in the market and when travelers look to book:
The high season for Honduran travel to the U.S. is June-August because of school holidays. Shorter trips during national holidays are also very popular, particularly in early October and the Easter season.
Description of primary Channels used for travel service purchase – brick-and-mortar vs. online:
Most frequently used information sources for trip planning are: airlines directly (52 percent), online travel agency (27 percent); personal recommendation (25 percent); national/state/city travel office (19 percent); and corporate travel department (10 percent).
Primary activities of visitors while in US:
Shopping is the leading activity for Honduran travelers to the United States, followed by sightseeing, dining experiences, amusement/theme parks, and visiting national parks. Industry contacts foresee an upward trend for inbound travel from Honduras, with opportunities involving leisure, visiting friends and relatives and business/convention travelers for the 2018-2021 period.
Average spend of visitors:
Estimated average spending by Honduran visitors to the U.S. is $2,546. Among the purchases of travel and tourism-related goods and services by Honduran visitors traveling to the U.S. are food, lodging, recreation, gifts, entertainment, and local transportation.
Web Resources
USDOC/ITA Office of Travel & Tourism
U.S. Travel Association
Discover America
World Travel & Tourism Council
Brand USA
Trade Events
Americas Musical Journey – Film Screenings (June 11 & 13, 2019)
Visit USA / Central America Roadshow (August 2019)
Travel & Tourism Breakfast Seminars (August 2019)