The “Ruta del Cacao” seeks not only to promote tourism, but also to contribute to the economic development of the communities involved, while promoting the conservation of the region's natural and cultural heritage. With the signing of this agreement, a greater integration of efforts is expected between both institutions to achieve sustainable growth, which will be reflected in the boosting of the local economy, the strengthening of the cocoa culture and greater protection of environmental resources.
Minister Yadira Gómez underscored the importance of this agreement to promote tourism in rural areas and help communities benefit directly from the flow of tourism. “This agreement is key to promote Honduran cocoa as an emblematic product of our country and make sustainable tourism become a real source of economic growth for the communities involved,” she said.
The agreement also aims to promote cocoa and chocolate as a tourism product, encouraging its consumption and raising awareness of its cultural and historical value. This initiative includes the organization of thematic routes, guided visits to cocoa plantations and interactive workshops where tourists can learn about the production process of this product from the plant to the production of chocolate. The aim is to position cacao as a star product in the tourism market, taking advantage of its indigenous value and its potential to attract both domestic and international visitors.
RETCACAO has made an additional commitment to strengthen training in local communities, through trainings aimed at both cocoa producers and IHT staff. These trainings are designed to promote good practices in the sustainable management of natural resources associated with cocoa cultivation, as well as to develop skills in customer service and the creation of high quality tourism experiences. In doing so, RETCACAO and IHT seek to ensure that the impact of tourism in these areas is positive and beneficial in the long term.
Francisco Membreño, president of RETCACAO, commented that this collaboration will enable the sharing of technical knowledge and support cocoa producers in improving the quality of their products. “Through this agreement, we will work to ensure that cocoa production is not only profitable, but also respectful of the natural environment. It is essential that communities understand the importance of sustainability in their daily work,” he stressed.
In order to give greater visibility to the “Cocoa Route” and attract a global audience, both the IHT and RETCACAO will actively participate in international festivals and fairs, where they will promote the tourism offerings of this route. These activities will expose the cultural richness of Honduran cocoa and present the country as an ideal destination for chocolate and ecotourism lovers. In addition, promotional campaigns will be carried out in digital media and social networks to disseminate this unique experience and capture the attention of travelers interested in sustainable tourism and in discovering the roots of cocoa in a natural and welcoming environment.
With the implementation of the “Cocoa Route” as a tourism product, the link between tourism and local production is expected to be strengthened, creating tangible benefits for the communities involved. The cooperation between the IHT and RETCACAO will make it possible to structure new routes of tourist interest in Honduras, expanding the country's offerings and positioning it as a destination that is committed to sustainability and community-based tourism.
This initiative highlights Honduras' commitment to promoting rural tourism with a sustainable approach, generating a positive impact on the economy and preserving the environment. The “Ruta del Cacao” symbolizes an opportunity to promote the country as a destination where visitors can enjoy unforgettable experiences while supporting the country's development.
