CATA and CEAV seal strategic alliance to boost tourism between Central America and Spain

This agreement seeks to promote the development of the tourism sector through joint actions that strengthen the promotion and marketing of the region in the Spanish market.

In 2023, a total of 25 million international travelers visited Central America, of which more than half a million were tourists from Spain, representing 2.4% of the total. This agreement marks a decisive step to continue strengthening the region's position in one of its most important markets.

In this regard, the agreement includes a series of key initiatives for 2025, highlighting the organization of specialized webinars and seminars that will serve to train tourism sector stakeholders in both regions. These activities, which will be carried out virtually and in person, will address innovative and cutting-edge topics to ensure that participants stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices in global tourism. 

"This alliance with CEAV is a key step to strengthen the presence of Central America in the competitive European tourism market. Spain, as one of our most important strategic partners, represents an essential bridge to attract a greater flow of travelers interested in authentic, sustainable and multicultural experiences. Through this collaboration, we not only improve the visibility of our destinations, but we also generate new opportunities for economic growth and sustainable tourism development in our region," said Boris Iraheta, Secretary General of CATA.

For his part, Rafael Gallego, Honorary President of CEAV, stressed that “the agreement signed today will allow, thanks to the intermediation of travel agencies associated with CEAV, to increase awareness of the destinations that make up Central America. Spanish travellers to the area amounted to 476,000 visitors and I am sure that thanks to this agreement these figures will continue to grow.”

Among the most relevant actions of the memorandum is the organization of seminars and workshops aimed at Spanish travel agents, who will receive specialized training on the destinations of the SICA region. These events will allow for a deeper understanding of Central American tourist attractions, providing agents with practical tools to improve the marketing of the region's tourist products.

In addition, at least two business meetings and workshops are planned to be held in a city in Spain, where Central American tourism entrepreneurs, airlines and travel agents will be able to establish strategic contacts. These initiatives are designed to boost the visibility of Central American destinations in the Spanish market, contributing to their promotion through the "Central America Meeting Travel 2025" event.

The memorandum also includes collaboration at the International Tourism Fair (FITUR), one of the most important events in the sector at a global level. CATA and CEAV will work together to organize talks, conferences and networking sessions, taking advantage of CEAV's stand at FITUR to promote knowledge of the SICA region among Spanish travel agencies and Central American tour operators.

Another essential component of this agreement is familiarization trips for CEAV member wholesale tour operators, who will be able to participate in visits to Central American destinations. These experiences will allow strategic delegates to learn about multi-destination tourism products first-hand, which will contribute to improving their marketing in the European market.

The signing of this strategic alliance was attended by Nahiry Silwany González, head of the international promotion department of the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism, who attended in her capacity as Pro Tempore President of CATA, reaffirming the regional commitment to this initiative. Likewise, Alejandra Agudelo, Manager of Avianca Europe, accompanied the event, highlighting the key role of air connections in promoting tourism between both regions.

With this agreement, CATA and CEAV strengthen their collaboration to develop joint initiatives that position Central America as a reference destination in the Spanish market. Through innovative strategies, in-person and virtual events, and the strengthening of tourism promotion, both entities seek to generate a positive impact on the marketing of regional tourism, promoting sustainable growth and business opportunities in the international arena.

Source: VISIT CENTROAMÉRICA.