U.S. State Department lifts travel alert for Honduras

The U.S. State Department has lifted its travel alert for Honduras, saying the improved security situation there has removed the immediate threat to the safety of U.S. citizens in the country.

The U.S. originally issued the alert after the June 28 coup sparked protests, primarily in the capital, Tegucigalpa.

Tourists stayed away from the country's beaches, Mayan ruins and rainforests in the months after the alert was issued. Even in Roatan, a world-class diving destination far from the troubles in the capital, tourism dropped 85% after the coup, said Mario Pi, president of the island's Tourist Information Center.

"For the hotels, it's been a disaster," said Pi, who predicted the resort area would finish the year down 50%.

The State Department alert was lifted Dec. 8.

Posted via email from Supreme Clientele Travel