Following a drop in visitors due to recent political events involving former president Manuel Zelaya, along with the economic downturn worldwide, tourists from North America are now returning to the beaches of Honduras’ northern coast and its Bay Islands.
On the resort island of Roatan, business leaders led by Roatan Life are launching an innovative program called “Vacation for Roatan” aimed at introducing vacationers to the community while supporting local humanitarian causes such as the Clinica Esperanza, Sol Foundation, and Roatan Marine Park.
“Because of the US economy and the trickle down effect to Roatan, donations to keep our medical clinic operational are dramatically lower this year,” said Ohio native and Clinica Esperanza founder “Nurse Peggy” Stranges. At the non-profit Roatan Marine Park, director Grazzia Matamoros cited a 33 percent decline in sales and donations that “threatens the development of activities required for the conservation of Roatan’s natural resources.”
As part of Vacation for Roatan, for any customer who calls, mentions the program, and books a vacation rental home through the end of the year, Roatan Life will donate 10 percent of the pre-tax booking price to a local non-profit of their choice. Roatan Life has the largest selection of vacation rental houses, condos, and villas on Roatan. It also has dedicated realtors who can assist in purchasing property on the island. Its entire team of realtors has committed to donate 10 percent of their net commissions to a charity of their customers’ choice for 2009 with any mention of Vacation for Roatan.
“Roatan is a unique place for many reasons, but one incredible aspect of the island is the level of volunteerism,” noted Roatan Life co-owner Steve Hasz. “Nearly every foreigner who has relocated to Roatan financially supports one or more of the many worthy projects on the island. Many islanders and visitors volunteer their time as well.”
