CENTRAL AMERICA
“Include El Salvador for a few days, if possible. Colonial Suchitoto is a gem of a town and our clients love visiting it on our Alcion tour”
RAFE STONE, PRODUCT MANAGER, JOURNEY LATIN AMERICA
up to 180 feet wide to go through. Airlines: Italian carrier Blue
Panorama, operating as Nicaragua Airways, started fl ying weekly from Rome to Managua last July. American Airlines launched a new weekly fl ight (Saturdays) between Miami and Roatan on the Bay Islands. Hotels: Las Verandas Hotel and
Villas, opened on March 1 on Roatan, Honduras, with 1,000 ft of private beach and six villas as well as Roatán’s fi rst championship golf course, The Black Pearl, an 18-hole, 7,200-yard course. In July, fi ve more
villas and 36 rooms & suites will open along with a new restaurant and bar. Ultimately, Las Verandas will have 60 luxury rooms and suites, 32 free-standing villas and a 6,000 square foot destination spa. Waldorf Astoria Panama is Hilton’s
fi rst hotel under the Waldorf brand in Latin America and has just opened with 248 guest rooms, suites and luxury residences. The luxury JW Marriott Panama Golf & Beach Resort is expected to open in September 2013. It is located in Cocle, Panama in the
luxury community of Buenaventura. There are three hotels opening in Nicaragua: Hyatt Place, Managua; Guacalito de la Isla and Wyndham Milagro del Mar. Kura Design Villas have been built on a mountain ridge overlooking the Pacifi c. With just six luxury villas, this exclusive small boutique hotel is located on the southern coast of Costa Rica near the Osa Peninsula rainforest. Prices start from £360 per room per night, excluding fl ights. Operators: Rainbow Tours
(
rainbowtours.co.uk) has added a collection of new eco-friendly villas, Kura Design Villas (see above) in Costa Rica.
Tourism talk “Central America had a six per cent year-on-year increase in arrivals, more
than any other region in the Americas. Traditionally most visitors to Central America are from the US and surrounding countries, but we have seen a very encouraging increase of 2.4% in European visitors. “Costa Rica remains the most popular destination, and for the British in particular, but Guatemala experienced the biggest surge in visitors from the UK, because of the
Rafe Stone
Product Manager, Journey Latin America
Meet the Operator
Why should agents sell Central America as a holiday destination? There are lots of reasons to sell central America. It offers great value for money and the size of each country means that transfer times are shorter and few domestic fl ights are required. Not to mention the incredible beaches, abundant wildlife and fascinating culture
Which countries would you recommend for a fi rst visit? Costa Rica is a good place to start. It has a great infrastructure, wonderful hotels and the wildlife is incredible. Guatemala and Belize (sold together) is also a great introduction to the
central America region, offering culture, ruins, natural beauty and unforgettable beaches.
Which kinds of client will enjoy a Central America holiday? Central America really does have something for everyone. Wildlife for nature lovers, history for culture vultures, activities for families, outdoor pursuits for active clients and there are now more and more luxury hotels for the fi rst class market and honeymooners.
Sample Package Journey Latin America offers a
15-day Highlights of Guatemala and Belize visiting Antigua, Lake Atitlan, the Tikal ruins, the San Ignacio and the Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye from £2871 pp. This includes ex-Heathrow fl ights, transfers, excursions and most meals. Call 020 8747 8315 or visit
journeylatinamerica.co.uk
www.sellinglonghaul.com
July/August 2013 53
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