Latin America expected to be popular as new film showcases the region

The opening of Mel Gibson’s new film Apocalypto on 5 January 2007 that deals with the collapse of the Mayan civilisation is set to fuel demand for Latin American holidays, predicts Flight Centre.

Destinations such as Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, which were at the centre of the Mayan empire, are home to some of the world’s most amazing ancient ruins including Tikal in Guatemala, Copan in Honduras and Chichen Itza in Mexico. Flight Centre says that increased interest in these destinations is likely following the films release.

Brent Novak, head of marketing at Flight Centre said: “We are already finding that Latin America is becoming a popular destination for holidaymakers that want a more adventurous holiday and to explore the fascinating culture, both old and new of this region.

“Movies that showcase destinations on the big screen create a lot of awareness of a destination and we predict that Apocalypto will do for Latin America what Lord of the Rings did a few years ago for New Zealand.”

Flight Centre offers a 15-day ‘Mayan Discovery’ holiday that combines visiting ancient ruins in Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras with some time on the beach in Playa del Carmen and a chance to visit one of the most colourful village markets in the area, Chichicastenango.

This holiday costs from £885 per person for the land-based tour only and includes 14-nights bed and breakfast accommodation, some lunches and dinners, transport (minibus, plane and boat) and services of an experienced tour leader. Departures from March 2007 onwards.

International flights to Cancun where the tour starts and ends start from £520 per person with American Airlines via Miami in March 2007.

For further information, visit flightcentre.co.uk.