Honduras at the (FITCE) 2024
Honduras made a strategic appearance at the 9th Annual Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE), held on October 23-24, 2024, at the Greater Fort Lauderdale | Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. With a spotlight on the key sectors of manufacturing and tourism, FITCE 2024 served as a valuable platform for Honduras to showcase its rich tourism offerings and diverse economic potential to an international audience.
Notably, the expo attracted over 2,000 attendees, including high-level government representatives, international trade experts, and businesses from more than 70 countries, providing a unique space for Honduras to foster foreign direct investment and establish trade partnerships. Represented by the Honduran Institute of Tourism and other trade authorities, Honduras leveraged this event to present its exportable goods, promote its manufacturing capabilities, and strengthen its tourism appeal, especially for destinations like Roatan in the Bay Islands.
Key Conference Sessions
Honduras participated in several key conference sessions, including:
Doing Business with the World – Part I: Latin America: An international panel with government officials, consulates, trade commissioners, and binational chambers discussing export and import opportunities and how to establish business relations with their countries.
Speed Matchmaking with Country Representatives & Trade Resources: This session allowed Honduran entrepreneurs to engage in 15-minute one-on-one meetings with international country representatives, providing a quick and efficient networking platform to explore trade collaborations.
World Cultures and Tourism Impact on Eco-Sustainable Trade: This discussion highlighted how cultural exchanges and tourism can support eco-sustainable trade, offering Honduras a platform to present its tourism sector as a key economic driver with sustainable potential.
Roatan´s Presence in FITCE 2024
One of the most impactful aspects of Honduras’s participation was the island of Roatan’s presence, represented by Vice Mayor Trudy Hilton. Roatan, renowned for its vibrant Caribbean allure, used this platform to strengthen its economic and cultural ties with global partners. The FITCE expo facilitated various interactive sessions for Honduras, such as "Doing Business with the World," which allowed Honduran representatives to discuss export and import opportunities with numerous country representatives and consular officials.
For Roatan, a major Caribbean destination, FITCE presented an opportunity to gain visibility in the North American market, which is its primary tourism source. Such events pave the way for greater exposure, promising an increase in cruise and air passengers, which, as Tourism Minister Yadira Gómez highlighted, is expected to reach 1.7 million in 2024.
Strengthening Roatan’s Tourism Appeal
Participation in FITCE 2024 was strategically valuable for both Honduras and Roatan, as it not only showcased Honduras's capabilities in manufacturing and agriculture but also positioned Roatan as a leading tourist destination. Honduras’s tourism sector, with the United States as its largest contributor, has seen an 8.5% growth in arrivals from the U.S., totaling around 400,000 visitors in 2023. This growth, coupled with a projected increase in cruise passengers, is a promising indicator for Roatan’s tourism industry. The expo provided an avenue for Roatan to highlight its unique attractions to a global audience and appeal to potential investors interested in its growing tourism infrastructure. By fostering ties with Florida-based companies and multinational corporations, Roatan aims to further boost its economic and tourism sectors, creating more jobs and bolstering local businesses across areas like crafts, hospitality, and eco-tourism.
The participation in FITCE was also pivotal for educating Honduran business owners in international trade, providing insights into market dynamics, and reinforcing the nation’s presence in the North American market. As part of the expo, Honduras showcased its strong trade relationship with Miami, underscored by 78,000 tons of cargo worth over $10.5 billion in trade transactions in 2023. For Roatan, this translates to greater connectivity and resources to further its tourism goals. In alignment with Honduras’s overall trade strategy, FITCE 2024 stands as a critical step in building a resilient and economically prosperous future for Roatan, enhancing its status as a world-class Caribbean destination poised for sustainable growth.
Tourist Attractions of Roatan
Roatan, the largest island of the Bay Islands, has long been a favorite destination for travelers seeking a combination of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Whether it's your first visit or you’re an experienced traveler, Roatan offers countless attractions and activities that cater to all types of tourists. Some of the main attractions in Roatan include:
Gumbalimba Park
One of the most unique experiences on the island is a visit to Gumbalimba Park, where you can interact with a variety of local wildlife. The park is famous for its Monkey Village, home to the only population of capuchin monkeys in Roatan living in the wild. Visitors can get up close to these playful creatures, making it a popular spot for animal lovers and families with children.
Gumbalimba Park also offers the opportunity to witness macaws flying freely, a colorful spectacle that brings the island's vibrant ecosystem to life. The Sloth Sanctuary offers the chance to meet and even hold these gentle, slow-moving creatures, creating unforgettable memories. Roatan’s dedication to preserving its natural wildlife is evident in the well-maintained sanctuaries, making them must-see attractions for animal enthusiasts.
Divers Paradise
Roatan is world-renowned for its diving opportunities, thanks to its location on the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. For both beginners and experienced divers, Roatan offers a variety of dive sites ranging from shallow coral gardens to deep wreck dives.
Diving here provides the chance to see an extraordinary variety of marine life, including colorful coral formations, sea turtles, eagle rays, and even sharks. Shark dives are particularly popular among thrill-seekers, offering a close encounter with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. With numerous dive shops and certified instructors, Roatan is a top destination for anyone looking to explore the underwater world. The island's crystal-clear waters also make for excellent underwater photography.
Little French Key
For those looking for a day of relaxation in paradise, Little French Key is an idyllic private resort on an island just off the coast of Roatan. Visitors can enjoy pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a range of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The island also features beachfront bars and restaurants where guests can savor local delicacies and cocktails.
Fort Consolation
History lovers will appreciate a visit to Fort Consolation, one of Roatan's lesser-known yet intriguing historical sites. The fort was built to defend the island from pirates and invaders during the colonial era. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the island's strategic importance during the Caribbean piracy era.
Snorkeling in Roatan
For those who prefer to stay near the surface, snorkeling in Roatan is just as rewarding as diving. With clear waters and abundant marine life, snorkeling spots like Half Moon Bay and West End offer incredible views of coral reefs teeming with colorful fish. The waters are warm and shallow, making this activity an ideal choice for families and those new to underwater exploration.
iSoar Roatan
iSOAR Roatan is sailboat which is moored in the sheltered waters of Halfmoon Bay, Roatan. The sailboat has been retrofitted with dive platforms, rope swings, and rock climbing footholds. iSoar is free to the public, and it is quickly becoming a Roatan favorite. The iSoar sits in about 20 ft of water with a seagrass bottom. There are patches of sand here and there, but most of the bottom is covered in with seagrass. The Coral Reef system is located just a few strokes away.
Roatan Freediving
For those who wish to explore the underwater world without the need for scuba gear, Roatan Freediving offers a unique way to experience the island's marine life. Freediving allows you to dive deeper using only a single breath, providing a meditative and exhilarating experience. Roatan is an ideal location for this sport due to its calm, clear waters and abundance of diving spots.
Roatan's Live Music Scene
Roatan is not only known for its natural beauty but also boasts a vibrant live music scene. Many bars and restaurants on the island feature performances by local musicians, often playing a mix of reggae, Caribbean rhythms, and popular hits. Visitors can enjoy live music while sipping cocktails and watching the sunset, a perfect way to end the day on the island.
Iguana Farm
Nature and reptile lovers won’t want to miss a visit to the Iguana Farm, a sanctuary dedicated to protecting green iguanas, an endangered species. Visitors can interact closely with these fascinating creatures and learn about ongoing conservation efforts to preserve their habitat.
Fishing and Shark Dives
Fishing is another popular activity in Roatan, with opportunities ranging from deep-sea fishing for large game like marlin and tuna to lobster fishing, where you can catch your own dinner in the crystal-clear waters around the island. Shark dives also cater to more adventurous visitors wishing to see these fascinating marine predators up close.
Roatan Rum Company
No visit to Roatan would be complete without sampling the local rum. Roatan Rum Company offers tours where visitors can learn about the distillation process and taste a variety of locally produced rums. The tour ends with a tasting session on a scenic terrace overlooking the Caribbean, making it an ideal stop for both rum enthusiasts and casual tourists.
Kitesurfing
For water sports enthusiasts, Roatan is a fantastic place for kitesurfing, with consistent winds and crystal-clear waters. Kitesurfers, both beginners and experienced, will find that the waters surrounding the island offer optimal conditions for this thrilling activity.
Santos Guardiola: East End Roatan
Located on the easternmost side of Roatan, Santos Guardiola includes small communities, each with its unique charm, and offers visitors a more authentic and laid-back experience of island life, away from the bustling tourist hubs. Each with its own history, culture, and charm. Some of the most well-known communities in this part of the island include St. Helene, Port Royal, Camp Bay, Diamond Rock, Oak Ridge, Calabash Bight, Jonesville, Jonesville Point, and Punta Gorda.
A remote village known for its pristine natural beauty and mangrove channels.
Camp Bay
Featuring one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, perfect for those looking to relax in paradise.
Calabash Bight
A serene bay with calm waters, ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Port Royal
A historically significant site, once home to English pirates, now a peaceful and scenic area for exploration.
Diamond Rock
Known for its striking natural formations and great fishing spots.
Jonesville
A quiet fishing village known for its mangrove channels and scenic beauty.
Punta Gorda
This Garifuna village is steeped in history and tradition, offering visitors a glimpse into the vibrant Garifuna culture. You can interact with locals, learn about their customs, and even take part in cultural events that showcase traditional Garifuna music and dance.
Oakridge
Another must-see community in Santos Guardiola is Oak Ridge, often referred to as the “Venice of Roatan.” Visitors can explore the village by water taxi, getting a true sense of life in this vibrant, sea-bound community.
Things to Do in the East End of Roatan
Visitors to Santos Guardiola can also take advantage of a variety of activities that showcase the beauty and culture of Roatan’s East End. Some of the most popular attractions include:
Punta Gorda Garifuna Village
The oldest settlement on the island, Punta Gorda offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in Garifuna culture. Watch traditional dances, enjoy Garifuna cuisine, and learn about the history of this unique Afro-Caribbean community.
Snorkeling in Oak Ridge
Known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, Oak Ridge is one of the best snorkeling spots in Roatan’s southeast region. Discover the beauty of the coral reefs and underwater ecosystems that surround the area.
Oak Ridge Tuk Tuk Tour
Take a tuk-tuk tour through the colorful streets of Oak Ridge, one of Roatan’s most distinctive fishing villages. The tuk-tuk, a small motorized vehicle, is a fun and convenient way to explore the area.
Mangrove Channel Tours
Explore the serene mangrove channels in Jonesville and St. Helene, where you can glide through calm waterways and observe the unique ecosystems that thrive in these lush environments.
Camp Bay Beach
Camp Bay Beach in Santos Guardiola, Roatan, is the island’s most pristine and beautiful beach. Known for its untouched white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this hidden gem offers a serene, natural escape away from the crowds, capturing the essence of Roatan’s unspoiled beauty.
Kitesurfing
Located beside Camp Bay Lodge, is the only kitesurfing school in Honduras. It offers lessons in English, Spanish, and German, as well as equipment rentals and storage options. With direct beach access and rescue support, Kitesurf Roatan ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. They also organize guided excursions to top kitesurfing spots around the area.
Paya Bay Resort
Is a boutique beach, nature, and wellness retreat focused on tranquility and a deep connection with nature. Located on a bluff with views of the Caribbean and two half-moon beaches, it offers access to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef just offshore. The 16-acre property includes designated Naturist Zones and hosts Naturist Weeks for a unique naturist experience.
Camp Bay Beach Lodge
Camp Bay Lodge is a boutique hotel on Roatan’s peaceful East End, offering a mindful stay focused on nature, authenticity, and tranquility. Located near pristine turquoise beaches and lush vegetation, it provides a unique experience surrounded by local wildlife like birds, iguanas, and butterflies, as well as the island’s laid-back, “country” lifestyle.
In conclusion, Honduras's participation in the 9th Annual Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE) marks a significant milestone in strengthening the nation's economic and tourism sectors, with special benefits for Roatan. By engaging in high-impact sessions and networking opportunities, Honduras showcased its diverse offerings—from exportable goods to its rich cultural heritage—making valuable connections with international leaders and potential investors. For Roatan, this exposure in the North American market reinforces its position as a premier Caribbean destination. Through events like FITCE, Honduras can continue to elevate Roatan’s profile, attracting more tourists and investments that will support sustainable growth, create jobs, and foster a prosperous future for the Bay Islands and the nation as a whole.
