Regional Tourism Leaders Unite in San Pedro Sula for CATM 2025

Central America is having a moment. With over twenty-six million visitors last year, the region is booming, thanks to its rich culture, wild adventures, and budget-friendly appeal. And with more flights connecting the dots, it’s easier than ever to explore. The travel spotlight is shining bright on San Pedro Sula, Honduras, where the Central America Travel Market 2025 just kicked off. Tourism leaders, buyers, and media from around the world are here to build partnerships and promote multi-country travel. With over a hundred and fifty exhibitors showing off the best of the region, CATM 2025 is all about fresh ideas and big opportunities. And News Five’s Sabreena Daly and Rick Romero are on the ground, bringing us the highlights from day one. Here’s their report.

 

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

It’s business as usual today — business to business, that is. Over 150 regional exhibitors and international buyers are filling the halls of the Copán International Hotel in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. They all have one common goal in mind: Sell and Buy tourism across Central America. It was a proud moment in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, as the Central America Travel Market 2025, better known as CATM, officially got underway with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. The event brought together top tourism officials from across the region, including the Central America Tourism Agency’s Secretary General Boris Iraheta. And leading the Belize delegation with pride is Efren Perez, Pro Tempore President of Federation of Chambers of Tourism of Central America.

 

Efren Perez, President, Belize Tourism Industry Association

“ We look at the overall tourism diversity that we have, and it’s part of the promotional activities that we do. We try to bring in the international wholesalers, the international prince. For them to be able to come and get familiar with the diversity of the tourism product, not only from one specific country, but really from across the entire scope of Central America.”

 

In 2024, Central America welcomed over twenty-six million international visitors, generating more than twenty billion dollars in revenue and supporting nearly three million jobs across the region. CATM 2025 is keeping the momentum going, shining a light on Honduras’s warm hospitality and the region’s vibrant cultures. The event showcases why Central America remains an attractive destination for travelers from North America, Europe, and Asia.

 

Reizel Vilorio, Vice Minister of Tourism of Honduras

“We found out as a region that we all make efforts individually. But if we work together, we can encourage tourists to stay longer in the region. If they stay longer, it shows they have a strong interest in the region, and that’s why collaboration is so important. If we start working as a region, we’ll develop more evenly, because progress in one country benefits the entire region. We’re really glad to have this integration and the opportunity to work together.”

 

Inside the pavilion, Belize is making a bold impression. The booth pops with eye-catching displays, highlighting sustainable tourism and rich cultural experiences. Local hoteliers, tour operators, and destination managers are busy connecting with international buyers, pitching their products and building relationships for future business.

 

Gale Ozaeta, Communications Manager, Belize Tourism Board

“ Our stakeholders came today prepared with packages to offer to these wholesalers. If they accepted a meeting with us means that they have a vested interest in working with the destination. So if the package suits them, if the percentage being offered by the stakeholder suits them, then that is the first step to establish that relationship and to get to know what each other has to offer.”

 

From wholesalers to tour guides and operators, participants move between booths to discover new tourism packages and strengthen existing business relationships, all aimed at better serving their respective markets and travelers.

 

Ilaria Vergani, Tour Operator, Italy

“I am here at the fair in order to find new suggestions and be able to develop new itineraries to offer new experiences to my clients. Our clientele is highly cultured and they are looking mostly for historical and cultural experiences.”

 

Oliver Lang, Wholesaler, Caribbean Tours

“My clients, many of whom are from Europe, have to take a long flight to this region and they’re trying to squeeze out the maximum from that so almost everybody usually prefers to combine their trips to Central America.”

El Salvador is also making its presence felt, branding itself as the ‘new’ El Salvador, a nod to its major push for citizen security. But it’s not just about safety; the country is inviting travelers to explore everything from ancient ruins and volcanoes to world-class surf spots.

 

Marissa Ortiz, Operations Manager, AviToursDMS

“We have lakes, volcanoes, and beaches — everything surfers could want. In fact, we’re the starting point of what’s known as Surf City. It’s a great destination, very popular with surfing enthusiasts.”

 

Guatemala also had a vested interest in this year’s expo; it is intent on taking the CATM baton, where the trade show is set to be held in 2026.

 

Nancy Mehia, Director, Chamber of Tourism in Guatemala

“ We are very excited to host CATM 2026 in Guatemala. Be prepared to enjoy our traditions, to enjoy our people, and our natural resources. We will be working very hard with the tourism board in Guatemala to have an amazing event for every one of you.”

 

Day two of CATM 2025 is in full swing, and Central America’s star just keeps rising. With visitor numbers expected to jump by six percent next year, the region is clearly on the move. And Belize is gearing up to take center stage, ready to show off its one-of-a-kind tourism experiences and keep the story of culture, adventure, and regional teamwork going strong. Reporting for News 5 from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, I’m Sabreena Daly