The notable increase in European arrivals to Central American and Dominican lands, highlighting Spain as the market that brings more European tourists to the region. We also offer a brief overview of the World Heritage Sites in our area.
| Central America and the Dominican Republic are Among the Preferred Destinations for European Tourists |
| In 2022, European markets constituted 2.7% of the total tourist arrivals in Central America and the Dominican Republic. |
| Central America and the Dominican Republic have already surpassed pre-pandemic tourist figures. |
| Europeans can explore up to 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the region. |
| London, October 30th, 2023 – European travellers have shown a growing interest in exploring the multi-destination experience offered by Central America and the Dominican Republic. This trend is reflected in data compiled by the Secretariat for Central American Tourism Integration (SITCA), indicating that Europe stands as the seventh-largest global market, contributing 2.7% to the overall count of tourists visiting the heart of the American continent. Among Europe’s key source markets, Spain takes the lead with 35% of the total number of European tourists, followed by Germany at 23%, France at 17%, the United Kingdom at 12%, Italy at 9%, and the Netherlands at 4%. |
| Gamboa, Panama |
| In 2022, the region welcomed a total of 21.2 million visitors. These 2022 figures represent a remarkable 214% increase in tourists and over a 69% surge in excursionists compared to the preceding year, contributing to an impressive 89.3% upswing in the overall count of visitors (SITCA data). Looking ahead to 2023, official statistics from individual countries demonstrate not only a return to pre-pandemic figures but a surpassing of those figures. This attests to the robust health of the tourism industry in the region and the global interest it continues to garner. |
| Punta Jesús María, Ometepe Island, Nicaragua |
| For instance, El Salvador recorded 2.4 million visitors up to September 2023, reflecting a 27% growth compared to the same period in 2019. Guatemala’s data, up to August, indicates an overall visitor count of 1.8 million. Meanwhile, Honduras saw 685,772 tourists during the first quarter of 2023, marking a 42% increase from the same period in 2022 and a 4% growth over 2019. |
| Erramón Hill, Chalatenango, El Salvador |
| In Panama, figures for January to June 2023 reflect the arrival of 1.3 million tourists, a remarkable 55.1% increase in international visitors compared to the same period in 2022. Belize, on the other hand, received a total of 641,133 tourists between January and August 2023, indicating a 60% surge compared to 2022. Nicaragua experienced a recovery of 2019 figures during the first quarter of 2023 and concluded 2022 with over 800,000 visitors. Costa Rica witnessed a 19% increase in tourists during the first half of 2023 compared to 2022, surpassing 2019. The Dominican Republic outperformed with over 7 million visitors between January and August 2023, signifying a 25% growth over 2022 and an impressive 31% surge compared to the pre-pandemic data of 2019. |
| Fronton Beach, Samaná, The Dominican Republic. |
| Twenty UNESCO World Heritage Sites |
| The rich cultural, archaeological, natural, and intangible heritage of Central America and the Dominican Republic has made the region a magnet for Europeans and travellers from around the globe. This acclaim has led to the designation of 20 sites as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites include archaeological wonders of ancient pre-Columbian cultures, pristine natural areas, captivating colonial cities, and historic Caribbean fortifications, all attracting enthusiastic visitors. |
| The Great Blue Hole, Belize |
| In Guatemala, tourists can explore the colonial city of La Antigua, the Tikal National Park, the Quiriguá Archaeological Park, an ancient Mayan site, and the Takalik Abaj National Archaeological Park. Belize boasts the Reef Reserve System, the longest in the northern hemisphere. Honduras showcases the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve and exceptional Mayan archaeological sites at Copán. |
| Tikal, Guatemala (visitguatemala) |
| Nicaragua features the Ruins of León Viejo and the Cathedral of León. El Salvador preserves the Joya de Cerén archaeological site, which offers insights into the heritage of an agricultural village. Panama invites visitors to discover Caribbean coast fortifications at Portobelo and San Lorenzo, explore the Darien National Park, uncover the archaeological site of Panama Viejo, and admire the Historic District of Panama. Panama also boasts the Coiba National Park and its Special Marine Protection Zone. |
| Archeological Site Joya de Cerén, El Salvador |
| The Dominican Republic’s Cultural City of Santo Domingo is a cultural treasure. Costa Rica offers the pre-Columbian cacique settlements with stone spheres of the Diquís River, the Cocos Island National Park, and the Guanacaste Conservation Zone. Finally, the Talamanca-La Amistad mountain range reserve, situated on the border between Costa Rica and Panama, beckons nature enthusiasts. |
| Alcazar de Colon, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic |
| This captivating journey through the heritage of Central America and the Dominican Republic underscores the region’s attractions for all population segments. Moreover, it showcases the region’s customs and culture, with nine traditions declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity. These attractions are closely linked to sustainable tourism practices, contributing to the region’s ability not only to recover but also to exceed pre-pandemic visitor figures for 2019. |
| Fiona Anderson/ Sarah Salord CATA / GEC PR |
| www.visitcentroamérica.com |
| Moreturismo-PR Turismo Europa |
| E mail: CATA@gecpr.co.uk / comunicación@prturismo.com |
| T. 44 (0) 20 3907 6824 |
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