Honduras lands loan to develop ecological tourism in Copan Valley

The Honduran government and the World Bank signed a loan agreement for $123 million aimed at implementing a development program in the Copan Valley (western Honduras) and fostering a strategy on ecological tourism.

The project seeks the implementation and promotion of tourism based on archeological heritage in order to bring economic prosperity to that area.

The loan is broken down in funds for personnel training and technical assistance on the one hand, and the promotion of local mom-and-pop businesses like small restaurants and inns on the other.

The targeted area embraces such tourist attractions as the Copan Ruins, declared Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO in 1980 and divided in five sections: the Archeological Park, the Hieroglyphic Staircase, the Acropolis, the Tombs and the Toads.

The Archeological Park features a variety of steles and dregs that treasure the mysteries of indigenous ancestors like the grave of the first-ever Mayan King and the Hieroglyphic Staircase, America’s largest carved text.

According to Honduran news organizations, hundreds of thousands of visitors from many parts of the world come to see this site every year hoping to delve deeper into the Mayan civilization, the picture-perfect town of Copan, its flora and the local wildlife.

This is the second project the World Bank carries out through the Honduran Tourism Institute, a follow-up to the Sustainable Coastal Tourism Project in the north side of the country.

However, the loans are also increasing the foreign debt piled up on the Central American nation that’s now in the neighborhood of $5 billion, the Social Forum on Honduras’ Foreign Debt and Development reported.

Honduras is the second most indebted Central American nation with an annual ratio of $721 per person. Each Honduran household churns out $887 a year and uses 90 percent of that amount to pay off the foreign debt.