BILLBOARD EXPANSION IN HONDURAS

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 000891

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EB/CBA, WHA/CEN
GUATEMALA FOR COMATT
OPIC FOR BRUCE CAMERON, JUAN CARLOS RIVERA-MONTES

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD ECON HO
SUBJECT: BILLBOARD EXPANSION IN HONDURAS

REF: STATE 064708


1. This cable is in response to reftel request for Post's
comments on Honduras' billboard industry.


2. Post is not aware of any specific developments that may
hinder investment in the billboard sector in Honduras.
Billboards continue to be a strong medium for reaching customers
and delivering publicity campaigns, especially as vehicle traffic
increases in the main urban areas. U.S.-style unipole structures
are common in the local market and are increasingly used as an
effective marketing strategy, especially for those companies
interested in increasing brand awareness or launching a new
product.


3. The billboard industry is regulated by the Metropolitan
Division of Municipal Corporations. This organization authorizes
installation permits for billboards and all other type of
advertising devices. Restrictions apply for the installation of
billboards in certain "controlled" areas due to environmental,
cultural, historic, and/or safety/security reasons. Companies
that operate without all the necessary permits and technical
specifications are subject to fines and other sanctions,
including removal of the billboards by municipal authorities.

Pierce