MIAMI (June 2, 2010) — Banana Coast, Honduras’ first mainland cruise port scheduled to open in 2012 in the town of Trujillo, has launched its official website at www.bananacoast.com. The site contains information about the $20 million port development project, the city, its history and culture, things to do in the region and a photo gallery.

The cruise destination development project, led by Grande Trujillo Authoridad — a partnership between the Municipality of Trujillo, local landowners led by Life Vision Properties and Miami-based Global Destinations Development — is slated to receive its first cruise passengers in 2012. Discussions with several premium cruise lines already are under way.

“We are putting together the final pieces of what will become the western Caribbean’s newest cruise destination,” said Randy Jorgensen, chief executive officer for Life Vision Developments and GTA board member. “This project will create a sustainable landside tourism industry coupled with a custom-built cruise port infrastructure in a destination that combines eco-tourism and soft-adventure opportunities for cruise line guests.”

Creation of a cruise port at Trujillo has been under discussion since 2004. Global Destinations Development conducted a Cruise Destination Fitness Test to assess the area’s feasibility as a cruise destination. The test analyzed the major factors that constitute a successful cruise destination, including geographic location, docks, condition of the town, marketing attractiveness to cruisers and travel agents, maritime operational costs, on-board revenue potential and predicted guest satisfaction.

With an investment of $20 million, Banana Coast will offer cruisers a combination of the natural attractions of Trujillo, a small town with a population of 30,000 located on Honduras’ northern coast, with high-quality passenger facilities and amenities. The project will feature Banana Coast Landing, a themed retail destination with approximately 50,000 square feet of shopping, a restaurant and an excursion marina all framed by the town’s tropical setting.

Trujillo is located on Trujillo Bay, a natural, protected deep-water harbor discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502. While initially ships will anchor and tender guests, GTA plans eventually to build a two-slip dock capable of accommodating two post-Panamax vessels simultaneously near downtown Trujillo.

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