PARROT TREE PLANTATION
WINS TOP HONDURAS TOURISM AWARD

ROATAN, HONDURAS – It’s not easy to find a meticulously designed waterfront residential community that combines the comforts of home ownership with the amenities of a world-class resort – and all of it in perfect harmony with nature. That’s one reason why this rare find on Roatan, Parrot Tree Plantation, was chosen to receive Honduras’ top tourism award.

Parrot Tree developer John G. Edwards was presented the prestigious Copan National Award for Tourism - 2003 for his 168-acre world-class residential resort community on Roatan’s south shore. President Ricardo Maduro presented the award, along with the Minister of Tourism, Thierry Pierrefeu Midence, and the President of the National Chamber of Tourism of Honduras (CANATURH), Raúl Welchez. Parrot Tree was one of 15 entities considered for the award.

In presenting the award, President Maduro reaffirmed his support for tourism, saying that it comprises a large part of the country’s economic growth. “As tourism is becoming one of the largest industries in the world, it is also becoming one of our country’s top priorities,” the President emphasized. “We recognize the benefits that projects like Parrot Tree Plantation bring to the country in terms of jobs, investments and fortification of our national identity. It’s very important for our economy and sustainable growth.”

Parrot Tree is easily an island paradise within an island paradise. With three miles of waterfront, the community is a blend of upscale homes directly on the beach or inset on beautiful hills with spectacular views of the Caribbean. For those who want to dock their yacht nearby or prefer a nautical flair, there’s a Mediterranean style marina village with two and three bedroom condos.
And although Parrot Tree is a gated, prestigious residential neighborhood, tourists are welcomed with unmatched island hospitality. Activities include swimming in the five acre turquoise lagoon and playing on the white sandy beach. The resort also hosts a free Family Day for island residents and visitors once or twice a month. The event promotes a sense of family while providing a safe, clean environment for enjoying Parrot Tree’s amenities.

“The children had the most incredible time playing on the inflatable toys in the lagoon,” says Roatan restaurant owner Gio Silvestri, a recent Family Day visitor. “Parrot Tree is a first class project and the best development I’ve seen in Honduras. John Edwards is constantly working to promote the island as a tourism destination.”

Tourism is expected to increase significantly with construction of a 150-room five star luxury hotel near the lagoon. Phase one, consisting of 48 accommodations, is scheduled to open in early 2005. Future expansion includes additional marina slips, biking and hiking trails, a health & fitness center, and five restaurants.

Successful real estate/tourism projects are no stranger to Edwards. From 1979 to 1992, he developed a major portion of the subdivisions that now exist on Ambergris Cay in Belize. Since moving to Roatan, he established a Century 21 real estate franchise; developed Lighthouse Estates, a gated community of 75 waterfront and hillside home sites; Built both the Mayan Princess Beach Resort and Coral Sands, two successful condominium projects and completed several small sub-divisions. Edwards serves on the Board of Directors for SOL AIR, the Board of Directors for the Roatan chapter of CANATURH and is a member of the Caribbean Hotel Association.

“I was thrilled to be nominated and very surprised to win,” says Edwards. “The award is a designation of tourism excellence and brings prestige to the island. But, it’s especially important to me and I’m very appreciative for it.”
Ricardo Martinez, President of Sol Air and former Minister of Tourism, nominated Parrot Tree for the award. He says that Parrot Tree is an excellent example of how foreign investment can perpetually be reinvested into the country, which sustains growth, promotes tourism and provides jobs.

The juried selection committee also touted Parrot Tree for architectural excellence. Award winning architects House + House designed Spanish and Mediterranean homes using hand carved architectural stone from Mexico, floor tiles from Spain, hand made brass hardware from Mexico and exotic hardwoods from Honduras...

Edwards plans to display the Parrot Tree Plantation sculpture award in the community’s coffee shop. The award is a bronze sculpture replica of a Mayan Eccentric Flint dating back to 600 A.D. It was believed that this artifact, found in Copan during an archaeological dig, represents the natural and supernatural powers that Mayan governors possessed. The Eccentric is among the most surprising forms of the art and technology of this culture.

The sculpture, which is 14 centimeters long and 18.5 centimeters high and weighs 1 lb. 13 ounces, was created by renowned Honduran artist Arnaldo Ugarte, who now resides in New York City. Edward’s sculpture was dated, signed and numbered with an eight by Ugarte.