Things continue to pick up in Central America where the seven countries of Central America and the Dominican Republic report positive tourism numbers. These are the findings of the Office for the Integration of Central American Tourism (SITCA).
The national tourism boards of the eight-member countries - Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama are united under the SITCA umbrella. They recorded a total of 11.1 million visitors in 2021, 86 percent of whom were tourists and 14 percent excursionists.
This finding coincides with the reports of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which indicates that the American continent has achieved one of the best results in terms of tourism recovery compared to 2020. In this regard, Central America and the Dominican Republic stand out with an increase of 54 percent.
Compared to 2020, the community saw a 75.8 percent increase in visits in 2021. There was also an 84 percent increase in revenue compared to 2020.
Three factors have contributed significantly to the trend toward recovery of Central America: the percentage of the population vaccinated, the abolition of travel restrictions, and the promotion of domestic and intraregional tourism. Taken together, they have led to tourism regaining a foothold in the tourist-rich region, visibly bringing back into focus what makes the region appealing and diverse: pristine nature, evolved culture, and opportunities for exciting outdoor adventures and discoveries - all of which are conducive to a further upswing in the second half of 2022. Together, the eight-member countries have launched a tourism campaign that invites visitors on a journey of discovery to the origins.