Investing In Honduras
Honduras is experiencing a rapid recovery in tourism, with 2.8 million international visitors in 2024, an increase of 17.8% over the previous year
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“Honduras is emerging as a key destination for sustainable tourism and economic development, with solid growth and unique opportunities for investors seeking impact and profitability.”
Zurab Pololikashvili,
UN Tourism Secretary-General
“Investing in tourism in Honduras means betting on a booming sector with a clear focus on sustainability, innovation, and inclusive development.”
Natalia Bayona,
Executive Director, UN Tourism
TOURISM DOING BUSINESS INVERTIR EN HONDURAS
Economic Outlook
Honduras is experiencing a rapid recovery in tourism, with 2.8 million international visitors in 2024, an increase of 17.8% over the previous year. Of these, approximately 841,000 are tourists who stay overnight in the country, a figure that reflects the consolidation of the sector as an economic driver. The commercial, hotel, and restaurant sector has surpassed 2019 levels of gross value added, with international tourism revenues reaching US$802 million, a 47% increase compared to that year. In addition, tourism accounts for about 8.7% of total national employment, with 325,257 people employed in 2024, showing sustained growth.
Foreign Direct Investment Performance
In 2024, Honduras recorded a foreign direct investment (FDI) flow of US$993.9 million, exceeding the historical averages for the last decade (US$955 million) and twenty years (US$896 million). Tourism is positioned as one of the priority sectors for foreign investment, backed by a favourable legal framework such as the Law for the Promotion of Tourism Investment, which has provided tax and customs incentives for projects worth approximately USD 294.2 million. This context is one of the factors favouring the formalization and expansion of the tourism ecosystem, with significant increases in agencies (+97.2%), accommodation (+53.3%), and food services (+46.7%).
Value Proposition
Honduras offers unique territorial diversity with emerging destinations such as Roatán, Tela, Cayos Cochinos, La Ceiba, Trujillo, and Copán. Its attractions include sun and beach destinations, ecotourism, archaeological tourism, and cultural expressions—especially those of the Garifuna and Lenca communities—which create authentic and differentiated tourism products.
The country offers competitive investment costs and an emerging market with high demand for sustainable and less mass-market experiences. In addition, there is potential to develop specialized niches such as luxury ecotourism, scientific tourism, wellness tourism, gastronomic and culinary tourism, sports tourism, and archaeological tourism with immersive technologies.
Green Investments Outlook
The commitment to sustainable tourism is aligned with the natural wealth and protected ecosystems that characterize Honduras. Destinations such as nature reserves and protected areas offer opportunities for green investments that promote environmental conservation alongside tourism development. The institutional strategy includes projects to strengthen regional connectivity and mobility through investments of US$5.652 billion, which will promote sustainable access to key tourist destinations.
Competitive Landscape
The cruise segment is one of the drivers of tourism volume: it accounts for 64.5% of international visitors in 2024, growing 29.2% from pre-pandemic levels. Honduras has a robust legal framework to encourage private investment and strategic planning that promotes tourism and logistics infrastructure. Competitive costs and product diversity create an ideal environment for investors seeking high returns in markets with growth potential superior to established destinations.
Honduras is thus a strategic destination for tourism investment, combining solid economic growth, a dynamic emerging market, and a diverse tourism offering with a sustainable and inclusive approach.