The idea for Coral Negro Tours began in 2001 when Julian Solis, a Garifunan born in Le Ceiba, realized the tourism potential of the Garifunan community of Nueva Armenia located near Le Ceiba. Due to the increasing interest in Honduran tourism over the last few years, Julian Solis felt the garifuna communities could actively participate in the Honduran tourism sector. Mr. Solis, along with the help of his brother Rony Solis, knew their developing project at Nueva Armenia would require a significant amount of preparation to be successful.

To make their dream of starting a tourism company a reality, Julian Solis held several meetings with older leaders of the community. The people of the community were cautious: previous failed attempts and bad experiences involving scams trying to create similar tourist attractions left them wary and skeptical. The young people of the community got together and formed a tourism committee called “Wagia Uragabei” which, in Garifuna means “we are the history.” The committee’s goal was to turn the project, later named Coral Negro Tours, into a licensed tourism business and to find the required economic resources to make the business work. However, due to a lack of these resources, the young committee members began to lose interest in the project.

In an effort to restore hope, Julian Solis began speaking with Garifuna professionals in the community to gain their support and involve them in the development of the project. After contacts were formed, Julian contacted Rony, who has an education background in eco-tourism. Together they restructured the committee into a tourism business with the goal to not only promote Garifuna culture in Nueva Armenia but to also have a “Garifuna Route” and to promote the Garifuna culture in other communities. Their objective is to develop tour operators with a common vision while remaining privately operated. The purpose of the business is to expose tourists to Garifuna culture and give them opportunities to interact with Garifuna families. Julian and Rony Solis strive to make the experience as authentic as possible. The emphasis is on Garifuna culture, dance and typical Garifuna cuisine, as well as their religious beliefs and rituals.

Hostel-style houses are available for visiting tourists and activities for tourists include the traditional Garifunan dance, “Punta.” The dance is a legacy among the Garifuna people. When tourists get off the bus they can expect to be greeted by two lines of people giving them a warm welcome and dancing Garifuna style. Tour guides will then take visitors to their guest houses. Participants on the tour will be able to assist with the preparation of typical Garifunan food and seafood if they choose. Appropriate security is also provided in the communities where tourists will be visiting regularly.

Coral Negro Tours is continually working to improve the quality of their tours. Since 2001 they have been testing trips and, so far, they have all been very well-received with an average of two or three trips per year. In May 2006, Coral Negro Tours opened an official office, equipped with marketing and public relations staff, to promote their project to the public. Currently, the main market for the tours includes university, high school, and tourism students in Honduras, as well as corporate groups. The business offers tours for a minimum of 15 to a maximum of 100 people. A travel manager, a director of public relations, a doctor and a translator travel with the tourists. An ethical liaison has also been hired to act as a mediator between the tourists and the members of the community.

The company is still in its growing stage, but the intention is to provide global service so that everyone can experience the Garifuna culture. Rony Solis says that “we, as Garifunas, want to be recognized as partners in tourism, not only an object of tourism.” Currently, Coral Negro Tours is working with 10 Garifuna communities hoping to become the official tour operator of all 46 Garifuna communities. The company works with an open-door policy and is willing to accept collaboration and external professional advice. Further support is needed to educate the public and create a better understanding of the Garifuna culture.

The last tour was in June and the next tour is scheduled for September with the possibility of another in August. For more information about Coral Negro Tours, contact coralnegro_hn@yahoo.com or (cell) 919-0759 and (fax) 236-7723.