Monday, March 18, 2024

Travel & Tourism

Tourist arrivals to Belize reach record high, surpassing 2019 numbers

The Belize The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) announced on Tuesday, March 5th, that the number of overnight tourist arrivals to Belize for January and February of 2024 has exceeded that of 2019. The report stated that foreign visitor arrival figures were historic, and February alone hit an all-time high for any month in the country’s tourism industry.

First Tour Guide graduation ceremony held for 2024

A group of 36 residents from San Pedro have received their certification from the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) after completing a four-month-long national tour guide training. A brief ceremony to commemorate the accomplishment was held on Friday, March 1st, at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium, with the presence of their family and friends.

San Pedro Belize Express launches upgraded service to Chetumal, Quintana

San Pedro Belize Express launched the maiden voyage of their Three Star Voyager vessel for runs from San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, to Chetumal Quintana Roo, Mexico, on Saturday, February 24th. The ferry service will include runs between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro and will now have extended service to Chetumal. The passenger boat leaves from the Caye Caulker port at 7AM, stops at San Pedro's International Terminal at 8:30AM for immigration purposes, and then leaves for Chetumal. The vessel returns at 3:30PM Mexican time.

COPA Airlines Increase flight to Belize Year Round

Travelers from Latin America looking to experience the rich cultural tapestry and natural wonders of Belize can now do so with Copa Airlines enhanced nonstop service from Panama. Beginning in June, flights will operate conveniently on Mondays and Fridays, year-round, using the Boeing 737-700 aircraft.

Belize Tourism Achieves Significant Milestones in 2023, demonstrating robust recovery

Belize's tourism sector has witnessed substantial growth in 2023, showcasing a resilient recovery after facing unprecedented challenges. The recently released preliminary tourism arrival figures reveal a noteworthy surge in both overnight stays and cruise ship visits, underscoring the destination's appeal and the industry's steadfast rebound.

Tourism and Health: Belize takes steps to strengthen its response to pandemics

Three years ago, the tourism industry came to a halt when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the county. Belize’s Health Sector was put to the test, as relevant agencies worked round the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of the community and prevent mass fatalities. Fast forward to 2023, every day life for Belizeans has returned to normalcy, and the strict health regulation for the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be a distant memory. However, the tourism and health sectors were left wanting to learn from this pandemic to be better prepared for the next one.

2023 Tourism Statists show impressive Overnight and Cruise Arrivals

Belize's Tourism Industry has made a remarkable rebound following the Covid-19 pandemic. With the number of overnight tourists steadily increasing each month, 2023 is on track to register over five hundred thousand visitors by the end of the year.

Belizean pilot flies JetBlue’s inaugural flight to Belize

A Belizean pilot, Jason Smith, was on the flight crew that brought down Belize JetBlue's inaugural non-stop flight on Wednesday, December 6th, from New York City's John Fitzgerald Kennedy International Airport. Smith, a native of Punta Gorda Town (PG) in the Toledo District, was honored to pilot the Airbus A320 that touched down at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) on Wednesday afternoon.

San Pedro Town Council Hosts 2nd Annual Tourism Awards

Held at El Patio Restaurant under sparkling décor, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) honored the outstanding tourism business of Ambergris Caye on Saturday evening, November 25th. Mr. Gerry Badillo and Ms. Natalie Arceo hosted the glamorous event, with the Black and White Garifuna Center performing, opening the ceremony with lively traditional dances.

San Pedro BTIA chapter holds Annual General Meeting and Membership Mixer

On Tuesday, November 14th, the Belize Tourism Industry Association San Pedro chapter (SP BTIA) held its Annual General Meeting with a social gathering at the Hidden Treasure Restaurant. Members and guests attended the event, with Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez, Mayor Gualberto' Wally' Nuñez, and BTIA President Stewart Krohn as special guests. The annual gathering also saw the introduction of the new Chairman of the island's BTIA chapter, Nick Scavone.

BTB San Pedro’s satellite office re-opens

After being closed for over three years, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) office branch in San Pedro Town re-opened on Monday, October 30th, during an official ceremony at the Sunset Boardwalk. The anticipated BTB satellite office on the island is now located at the international water taxi terminal at the Sunset Boardwalk. It will be essential for tour operators, tour guides, and other tourism stakeholders, who will now be assisted with their tourism queries and processes on the island without the need to travel to the mainland.