Roatán, Honduras to Host the 7th Annual FCCA Platinum Associate Membership Conference

Roatán, Honduras, April 11, 2009 --(PR.com)-- This June, the island of Roatán off the Caribbean coast of Honduras will host the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s (FCCA), 7th Annual Platinum Associate Membership Advisory Council (PAMAC) Conference. Roatán’s cruise industry has been rapidly growing over the past five years, with 13 cruise lines currently offering port calls. Of particular note is the grand opening of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.’s Town Center at Roatán Port in January 2009 – Central America’s first combination cruise port and community center, and Carnival Corporation & plc’s new cruise terminal (Mahogany Bay – Roatán) scheduled to open later this year. Cruise arrivals to the island have grown 170% in the last five years - from 161,000 in 2003 to 434,000 in 2008.

“The cruise industry in Roatán has become a vital component of Honduras’ growing tourism industry, and we are proud to have the opportunity to host the Platinum Conference and welcome the FCCA Platinum Members and Cruise Executives from the FCCA Member Lines to the island,” stated Hon. Ricardo Martinez, Minister of Tourism for Honduras. “For those who have never visited, the conference will showcase a wide variety of offerings. And those who have visited previously will experience the island’s positive growth first-hand.”

Roatán beckons to travelers seeking an affordable and adventure-driven Caribbean experience. Turquoise waters and the world’s second largest barrier reef surround the island, which measures approximately 37 miles long and 4 miles wide. Cruisers and overnight tourists alike are greeted by a warm people and laidback culture. The FCCA Platinum Conference will include island excursions such as zip-line canopy tours through the island’s rainforest, snorkeling with dolphins, visits to colorful botanical gardens, and underwater exploration with snorkel trips.

“Speaking on behalf of the people of Roatán, we are thrilled to be welcoming the FCCA Platinum Members and Cruise Executives, and sharing with them this remarkable destination and the friendly spirit of the island,” stated Dale Jackson, mayor of Roatán.

FCCA Platinum Members and Cruise Executives will also conduct a series of meetings during their stay, including the opportunity to meet with high-ranking officials from the Honduran government.

The Infinity Bay Spa & Beach Resort (www.infinitybay.com), located in desirable West Bay, will serve as the host hotel for the conference. Infinity Bay opened its doors in December 2007 as the greenest resort on the island, with state-of-the-art septic facilities, 100% potable tap water throughout the resort, and solar water heating. It offers one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, a fresh water pool with an infinity edge, Palapa Bar, and an ideal location on Roatán’s best beach.

In addition to visiting the most popular sites of Roatán, FCCA Platinum Members and Cruise Executives will take an excursion to Copán Ruinas, located in the western highlands of the mainland. Copán Ruinas is home to a Maya Archaeological Park, coffee plantations, hot springs, and much more. It has grown to become the second most popular tourist destination in the country – behind Roatán – and is offered as a daylong excursion to some cruise passengers.

Honduras is located in the heart of Central America, encompassing over 43,000 square miles, making it about the size of Tennessee. It is only a short flight from the U.S.: two hours from Miami or less than three hours from Houston or Atlanta. Honduras features a 500-mile Caribbean coastline on its north and a 100-mile Pacific coastline on its south. It borders on the west with Guatemala, the southwest with El Salvador, and on the east with Nicaragua.

For more information, travelers can call 1-800-410-9608 (U.S. callers) or 305-461-0601 (international callers), email hondurastourism@aol.com, or visit www.letsgohonduras.com.

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