Under the vibrant slogan “Honduras, Naturally Yours,” the country officially opened its doors to the world this week as it hosted the Centroamérica Travel Market (CATM) 2025 — the region’s most important tourism fair — in the bustling city of San Pedro Sula.
From October 21 to 23, more than 80 international buyers, 150 exhibitors, and 2,000 business meetings transformed the industrial capital of Honduras into the epicenter of Central American tourism. The event brought together key tourism authorities, travel operators, media, and regional leaders committed to positioning the isthmus as a unified, world-class travel destination.
A Regional Platform for Tourism Growth
The official inauguration was attended by Honduras’ Vice Minister of Tourism Reizel Vilorio, Boris Iraheta from the Central American Tourism Agency (CATA), Efrén Pérez of the Federation of Central American Tourism Chambers (FEDECATUR), and Nicole Marrder, president of the National Chamber of Tourism of Honduras (CANATURH).
Organized jointly by FEDECATUR and CATA, with leadership from the Honduran Institute of Tourism (IHT) and CANATURH, the 2025 edition of CATM underscored the region’s growing appeal. It positioned Honduras as a central hub for B2B tourism exchanges, linking travel professionals from Europe, North America, Asia, and South America under a single regional tourism brand.
Honduras: Naturally Rich and Culturally Alive
Hosting CATM for the first time in twelve years, Honduras proudly showcased its 93 protected areas, its two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Copán Ruins Archaeological Park and the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve — and its nine vibrant cultures, including the Garífuna, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
“Honduras is a destination where nature and culture coexist in harmony,” said organizers, highlighting the country’s focus on eco-tourism, adventure, and cultural experiences that reflect the authenticity of the region.
A Booming Tourism Industry
According to official data, tourism revenue in 2024 reached $802.4 million, marking a 17.8% increase in international arrivals and nearly 2.8 million visitors. With 5,703 tourism establishments, 325,000 jobs, and 19 airlines operating through four international airports, Honduras is rapidly emerging as a competitive destination on the global stage.
San Pedro Sula: The Heartbeat of Central America
Known as the country’s main industrial and business hub, San Pedro Sula proved the perfect host for CATM 2025. With three large convention centers, over 4,000 hotel rooms, and excellent air connectivity, the city offered the infrastructure and energy to promote the commercialization of Central American tourism to major global markets.
Pre-tours and post-tours allowed buyers and media to explore Honduras beyond the conference — from Comayagua and Yojoa Lake to La Ceiba, Copán, Utila, and Roatán — reaffirming the nation’s diversity and hospitality.
A Celebration of Central American Unity
Over the three-day event, official delegations, international buyers, airlines, and media joined to celebrate Central America’s tourism revival. The numbers speak volumes: more than 26 million international visitors explored the region last year, generating $20 billion in revenue and creating 2.9 million jobs.
CATM 2025 stood as a testament to the region’s resilience and unity, showcasing how collaboration across borders can redefine Central America’s place on the world tourism map.
Partnerships and Support
The organizing committee expressed gratitude to a wide range of partners who made the event possible, including Televicentro, Emisoras Unidas, TuNota (Canal 5), Publimovil, Avianca, Espresso Americano, Tropic Air, TAG Airlines, Transportes del Sol, the Honduran Institute of Coffee (IHCAFE), Danilos, Craftbartender, and the Municipality of San Pedro Sula.
A Glimpse Into the Future
As the closing remarks echoed through the convention hall, one message stood clear: Honduras and Central America are ready for the world.
From its pristine Caribbean beaches and ancient Maya ruins to its rainforest-covered mountains and diverse cultures, the region is uniting under one banner — ready to welcome travelers eager for authenticity, adventure, and connection.
For more information, visit CentroAmericaTravelMarket.com or follow @cata_centroamerica on social media.