Central America Targets Connectivity Fix to Boost Regional Tourism

Central America is taking significant steps to address its connectivity challenges, which have long hindered the growth of its tourism sector. Despite marketing itself as a unified, multi-destination region, the lack of seamless air and land routes continues to restrict travelers’ ability to move freely between countries. Efren Perez, Pro Tem President of the Federation of Central American Tourism Chambers and President of the Belize Tourism Industry Association, emphasized the importance of this issue during a recent regional meeting. Key organizations such as the Central American Tourism Agency and FEDECATUR are collaborating to develop solutions that improve cross-border access, revisit the CA-4 Agreement, and strengthen partnerships with regional airlines. Perez highlighted that these efforts are part of a broader strategy to make travel within the region more accessible, encourage longer stays, and elevate Central America’s position on the global tourism map. During the meeting, Perez also discussed the need for regional immigration reforms and the integration of the private sector into promotional strategies. He provided an example of how travelers moving from Honduras to Belize might not require a round-trip ticket if they are engaging in multi-destination travel, which is a key focus of the region’s tourism promotion. Perez stressed the importance of balancing border security with the need to maintain a smooth flow of tourists. The private sector is actively working with government agencies to propose solutions that enhance connectivity and improve the overall tourism experience. These initiatives are expected to be a central topic in ongoing regional discussions, with the goal of fostering a more integrated and attractive tourism market in Central America.