The Central America Travel Market (CATM) 2025, the region’s premier tourism and trade showcase, concludes successfully in San Pedro Sula, highlighting collaboration and sustainable tourism growth across the Centroamérica region. Among the distinguished international attendees was Mr. Luke Rajan, Director of Christian Tours UK, representing the growing interest of travelers from India and the United Kingdom in exploring Central America’s rich religious, cultural, and natural heritage.
A Platform for Regional Growth
Hosted at the Copantl Hotel and Convention Center, CATM 2025 brought together over 80 international buyers, 50 global media representatives, and 150 Central American exhibitors from Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, and Honduras. Organized by FEDECATUR and the Central America Tourism Agency (CATA), with support from the Honduran Institute of Tourism (IHT) and the National Chamber of Tourism of Honduras (CANATURH), the event promoted Central America as a unified, multi-destination travel experience under the regional brand “Central America for Sure.”
During the opening ceremony, notable hosts included Nicole Marrder, Vice President of CANATURH; Reizel Vilorio, Deputy Minister of Tourism of Honduras; Boris Iraheta, Secretary-General of CATA; and Efrén Pérez, President of FEDECATUR.
Building Bridges Between Continents
Representing both India and the United Kingdom, Luke Rajan explored partnership opportunities with local tourism authorities and operators. His presence at CATM marked an important step in strengthening tourism links between South Asia, Europe, and Central America.
“Honduras and its neighboring countries have so much to offer to Indian and UK travelers, from the warmth of their people to extraordinary natural and cultural heritage,” said Luke Rajan, Director of Christian Tours UK. “Central America offers adventure, spirituality, and authenticity that deeply connect with Indian travelers seeking meaningful and enriching experiences.”
During his visit, Mr. Rajan interacted with H.E. Xiomara Castro, President of the Republic of Honduras, and held one-to-one meetings with Ms. Yadira Gómez, Minister of Tourism of Honduras, and Mr. Roberto Contreras, Mayor of San Pedro Sula. Discussions focused on developing tourism partnerships, promoting faith-based and cultural tourism, and expanding opportunities for visitors from India and the United Kingdom.
All three leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening Honduras’s international tourism outreach and highlighted the country’s potential in eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and sustainable travel.
Showcasing the Best of Honduras
As the host country, Honduras offered extensive pre-tours covering more than 15 destinations, including the Bay Islands, the north coast, Copán, Lake Yojoa, and colonial towns.
“All the tourism chambers and destinations have prepared special arrangements, showcasing the unique warmth and friendliness of the Honduran people,” said Nicole Marrder, Vice President of CANATURH.
Participants experienced Honduras’s cultural and natural diversity, including Afro-indigenous Garifuna traditions, UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Copán Ruinas and the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, and top eco-tourism opportunities for birdwatchers and adventure travelers.
A Region of Shared Culture and Connectivity
The event highlighted the strength of regional collaboration in tourism. Mr. Boris Iraheta of CATA noted that Central America welcomed 29 million international visitors in 2024, a 10% increase from the previous year. The 2025 forecast projects continued 6% growth, driven by sustainable, culture-rich travel experiences.
The “Central America for Sure” campaign continues to position the region as a safe, diverse, and sustainable destination, combining beaches, nature, and authentic cultural encounters across Belize, Nicaragua, Panama, and Honduras.
A Welcoming Destination for Indian Travelers
Central America is increasingly accessible for Indian tourists thanks to favorable visa policies and regional travel integration:
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Visa on Arrival is available in El Salvador and Panama for Indian passport holders.
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Travelers with a valid multiple-entry visa for the United States, Canada, or the Schengen Area can enter Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua without an additional visa.
This streamlined access allows Indian travelers to explore multiple countries in one journey, discovering ancient Mayan ruins, Caribbean beaches, volcanoes, and rainforests within hours of travel.
