CATA Reveals Why Central America and Dominican Republic Are the Ideal Choice for
a Last-Minute Christmas and New Year Getaway for UK Travellers

  • CATA presents five reasons to choose the region as a Christmas and New Year destination: the warm climate, the dreamy beaches, the affordability, the enriching customs and cultures that flourish at this time of year, and new air connections.
  • Christmas is one of the most important festivities in Central America and the Dominican Republic.

London, December 2023 – Are you looking for a last-minute winter sun getaway this Christmas or in the New Year? Central America and the Dominican Republic are the perfect holiday choice for UK travellers featuring warm weather, dream beaches, affordable destinations with competitive prices, cultural customs and traditions that unfold at this time of year, and the expansion of flights from Europe.

Firstly, the tropical climate with average temperatures of 25-30 degrees Celsius contrasts with the usual cold weather in the UK at this time of year. In this region, the sunny days invite you to enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, diving, surfing or just relaxing on the beach.

The second highlight is the paradisiacal beaches allowing visitors to return to work in January with a glowing tan and a relaxed mind. The Central American coastline offers the opportunity to relax and practice a variety of sports.

This beautiful region, which acts as a bridge between the Americas, provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy both the Caribbean paradise and the lush beauty of the Pacific coast. From the Belize Keys and the Bay Islands in Honduras to the shores of the Dominican Republic and San Blas in Panama, Central America invites you to immerse yourself in the waters of the Caribbean Sea. The combination of turquoise waters, tropical fish and white sands makes it a true paradise.

If you are a lover of nature, adventure, bird watching and activities such as surfing, the Pacific coast of Central America offers you an adventure thanks to its impressive natural wealth and its extensive beaches with black sand due to past volcanic activity. From Monterrico in Guatemala to the beaches of Surf City in El Salvador and San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua, to Tamarindo in Costa Rica, this region has a lot to offer.

The third reason to visit Central America and the Dominican Republic at the end of the year are the prices, which are generally lower than in the UK. This is because the cost of living in these countries is lower, something that the British consider particularly relevant in the current economic climate. Therefore, the region is presented as a competitive destination in terms of accommodation, gastronomy, shopping, sightseeing and cultural visits, sports, water sports and nature activities, in addition to the expansion of air connections, which facilitates travel.

Fourthly, the richness of customs and cultures that unfold at Christmas, one of the most celebrated festivities in Central America and the Dominican Republic, stands out. Colour and joy flood the festive atmosphere that combines ancient indigenous and tribal traditions with Christian ones, reflecting the cultural diversity of the region.

In Honduras, Christmas combines Garifuna and Catholic festivities, and is characterised by the burning of a mummy as a symbol of purification at the end of the year. In Guatemala, fireworks take centre stage throughout December and New Year, along with traditional Mayan celebrations. Inviting meat soup for Christmas is typical in Nicaragua, while in Belize, Creole and Garifuna cultures mingle with parades and dances. In El Salvador, dinners, get-togethers with friends and parties are traditional throughout the month. In Panama, children go around the house singing Christmas carols in exchange for an “aguinaldo” (Christmas bonus). The wooden Christmas tree (Charamico) and sweet bread (Telera) are a must at Christmas in the Dominican Republic. In Costa Rica, Christmas festivities begin on the second Saturday of December with the Festival de la Luz (Festival of Light) and are joined by the traditional horse parade.

Finally, it is important to highlight the increase in flight frequencies between Europe, Central America and the Dominican Republic, as well as the improvement in domestic connections between countries in the region, which facilitates combinations and allows for greater competitiveness in travel fares.

Package holiday highlights include a 13-Day Wildlife Tour of Belize and Guatemala from £2,415 per person departing in January with Explore or a 11-Day Revolutionary Road Trip to El Salvador for only £2,400 per person (based on two people sharing) with Journey Latin America.

Central America and the Dominican Republic are undoubtedly the ideal destinations for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration. With dreamy sunsets, heavenly beaches bathed in warm sunshine, exceptional hospitality, majestic forests that invite adventure, a rich archaeological heritage that connects with the past, a vibrant culture and a cuisine that delights the senses, these destinations become the perfect setting to bid farewell to a year full of experiences and welcome a new one, full of promise and joy in the hearts of its inhabitants.

For further details about the countries CATA represents, please visit www.visitcentroamerica.com/en/.

ENDS

Photo Captions

  • Image 1: Ballet Folklorico in El Salvador – cultural customs and traditions are a highlight in Central America this time of year.
  • Image 2: Punta Cana in Dominican Republic – Central America and the Dominican Republic are the perfect holiday choice for UK travellers: warm weather, dream beaches.
  • Image 3: “La Gritería” in Nicaragua – a traditional event which takes place each December.
  • High-res images can be downloaded from https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ndeb9wh27wn1grriwyalg/h?rlkey=u3cw5ws0yzd6yky4y3rapsed7&dl=0

Media Contact
Fiona Anderson / Sarah Salord
CATA / GEC PR
www.visitcentroamérica.com
Email [email protected]
T. 44 (0) 20 3907 6824