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When
was the Chamber of Tourism (Canaturh Bay Islands) Founded?
Established in December 2002, the Bay Islands Chamber of Tourism
is a chapter of the national Honduras Chamber of Tourism. We established
a local chapter to raise the visibility of the Bay Islands (Roatan,
Utila, Guanaja, Cayos Cochinos) with the intention of creating
a world class destination. We're confident that our incredible
natural beauty, fascinating cultural heritage, and warm hospitality
makes us a top choice for vacationers, extended time travelers,
and potential business investors. Our proximity to the United
States makes travel easy. Our sparkling beaches, richly populated
reefs, jungle topped mountains, and exotic plants and flowers
guarantee a memorable experience.
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Who are your members?
Both large and small businesses directly, or indirectly, involved
with tourism enjoy the benefits of membership in the Chamber of
Tourism. Popular resorts, intimate hotels, managed developments,
mom and pop owned B & Bs, restaurants, tour operators, souvenir
shops, service providers of all kinds, even the nonbusiness sector
is represented -- we all share the desire to have a say in the
future of the Bay Islands and a voice in the government. As well
as the above, Honorary members attend on an as needed basis: the
Ministry of Tourism, local Municipalities, Chamber of Commerce,
the Bay Islands Congressman and Governor, the National Police
and Tourist Police, the Port Authority, PMAIB (Environmental Management
arm of the national government), and the village Community Organizations.
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You said you
have a voice in the government. What branches are you regularly
involved with?
The Bay Islands Chamber of Tourism has an ongoing working
relationship with the following Honduran government Ministries:
Tourism, Environment, Security, Agriculture, Customs, Immigration,
Internal Affairs, Education, Health, Communications, and Transportation.
We also have access to a number of lawyers who provide us with
legal advice.
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What has the Bay
Islands Chamber of Tourism accomplished so far?
In two words -- a lot! Briefly, we've been instrumental in establishing
the Tourist Police on Roatan ... starting a pilot program for
garbage control which involves educating the community along with
future plans for waste disposal management ... participating in
the Cruise Ship Committee to include dock operations and potential
problems ... welcoming various cruise ships on their inaugural
calls along with taking part in their Industry Planning Seminar
... attending SEATRADE, the world's largest cruise ship industry
convention held in Miami Beach, Florida ... organizing and hosting
familiarization trips for TACA airlines, as well as Spanish, Belgian,
Israeli, and Central American tour operators ... taking part in
the Central America Travel Market (a global trade show in Guatemala),
El Salvador Expo Vacations, the National Council of Tourism ...
and actively helping to draft Bay Islands legislation in conjunction
with the central government to protect our future island development.
And this is the short list ... there's even more.
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What does the future
hold?
The Chamber is concentrating on sustainable tourism expecting
the following results: enhanced community support on the local
level providing greater employment, a higher standard of living,
and an improved tourist experience which will raise the level
of our public image countrywide. We'll strive to involve Utila
and Guanaja in a more active manner while providing all of the
Bay Islands with the most accurate, up-to-date tourism information.
As we continue to grow, we remain alert to protecting our members'
best interests by offering advice, support, and networking opportunities
both within the Bay Islands family, and via outside conventions,
conferences and seminars focusing on tourism.
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I'd like to hear
what some of the current members have to say.
John Edwards, winner of the prestigious Copan Award for 2003,
and owner of the Mayan Princess and Century 21 Realty: "Being
part of the Chamber of Tourism means that we are constantly able
to network with people that are critical to the success of our
business, such as investors, tourism trade and media."
Sandra Sampayo, owner of TropicalREZ and Bay Island Marketing:
"If we had not been a member of CANATURH-Bay Islands (Chamber
of Tourism), we would never have had the opportunity to showcase
our products and develop the relationships with international
wholesale tour operators attending tourism trade shows."
Gary Chamer, one of the three finalists for the 2004 Copan Award,
and owner/manager of the Palmetto Bay Plantation development:
"Membership in the Chamber of Tourism allows me to stay abreast
of the current operating environment, new tourism projects and
opportunities, along with issues that affect my business. Participation
in the Chamber of Tourism keeps me informed.
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How can I
become involved?
Become a member of the Bay Islands Chamber of Tourism and, depending
on the level you chose, you'll enjoy the following benefits:
* Recognition by both the local and central government as the
voice of tourism for the Bay Islands
* Commericial exposure for your product through invitations to
national and international tourism conferences
* An active part in decisions affecting the future of the Bay
Islands, and how it will impact your business
* Direct access to various institutional entities like the Municipal
Corporations, the Ministry of Environment, the Honduras Institute
of Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism under the influential umbrella
of the Chamber.
* And keep abreast of breaking news regarding cruise ship itineraries,
airlines, new investments, communications, the environment, government,
plans for health services, education and security issues.
Click on the Become a Member link for
more information.
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