Honduras' reputation for political instability and poverty has
long kept tourist numbers low. In recent years, however, more
and more people have begun to discover the lure of its northern
coast, from the relatively intact culture of the indigenous
Garifuna community, to the scenic beauty of its mountain-flanked
beaches. Social problems from the past persist, and new
development has damaged the rain forest and offshore reefs, but
the region continues to make inroads into community-based,
small-scale tourism––progress that perhaps contributed to this
destination's five-point improvement over last year's score.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous
comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views
of the National Geographic Society: "Tourism development ranges
from overbuilt large resorts to community-based ecotourism
efforts at the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve and Pico Bonito.
Local residents sometimes benefit from tourism development, but
there is room for improvement." "Hon