Business & Economy
Businesses Note Slower Start to 2026 Tourism Season
Tour operators, restaurant owners, and hoteliers in San Pedro are reporting a noticeable slowdown in tourism during the first week of January 2026, following the traditionally busy Christmas and New Year’s holiday period. Local businesses describe quieter streets and lower-than-expected bookings during what is typically considered peak tourism season.
Business & Economy
2026 Sugarcane Crop to Begin After One-Year Agreement Extension
The 2026 sugarcane crop is expected to begin later this month following the signing of an addendum to the commercial agreement between the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI). The agreement was signed on January 7th and extends the existing commercial arrangement for another year.
Business & Economy
BTL’s Proposed Acquisition Uncertain after Companies Withdraw
Following an announcement on January 9th that Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) was considering the acquisition of SMART, along with cable companies Centaur Communications and CTI/NEXGEN, the proposed consolidation is now uncertain. This follows the cable companies' withdrawal from negotiations amid increased public and media scrutiny. The proposed deal may now proceed with SMART included only.
Business & Economy
Opposition Rises over BTL’s Proposed Acquisition of SMART and Other Providers
The announcement that Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) is considering the acquisition of SMART, Centaur Communications, and CTI/NEXGEN has raised concerns nationwide, particularly within the private sector and political arena. The proposed consolidation of telephone, cable, and internet service providers was discussed during a press conference held on Friday, January 9th, in Belize City.
Business & Economy
New U.S. Policy May Affect Money Sent to Belize
New United States regulations impose a 1% federal excise tax on certain remittances sent from the U.S., effective January 1, 2026, targeting transfers made through Western Union, MoneyGram, cash, money orders, and cashier’s checks. The measure is part of President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which was signed into law in July 2025.
Business & Economy
Electricity Rates Rise, BEL Says Maintaining Service Will Be Challenging
Now in 2026, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) began rolling out new electricity tariffs on January 1st, following approval from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The PUC approved a three-cent-per-kilowatt-hour increase over 30 months. BEL had requested an increase of nearly five cents over 24 months.
Business & Economy
PUC Approves Amendment to BEL’s ARP 2025 Final Decision
On December 11, 2025, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) issued its Initial Decision on amendments to Belize Electricity Limited’s (BEL) 2025 Annual Review Proceeding (ARP) Final Decision.
Business & Economy
BEL Cites Rising Costs in Bid for Higher Electricity Rates
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has applied to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for a 5.55-cent increase in the Mean Electricity Rate (MER), equivalent to a 13.9 percent rise, to take effect on January 1, 2026. The request comes at a time when Belizeans are already grappling with a rising cost of living, higher food and fuel prices, and ongoing concerns about the stability of the national power supply.
Business & Economy
Prices Edge Up, Confidence Slips as Belizeans Feel the Squeeze
On November 26th, the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) released its October 2025 Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Consumer Confidence Index (CCI), showing modest inflation alongside slightly weaker household sentiment nationwide. The all-items CPI reached 120.7, up from 119.7 a year earlier, while the CCI stood at 45.2, below the neutral 50 mark and down from 45.7 in September. The data cover all six districts, including San Pedro, which saw a 2.1% inflation rate, and provide a snapshot of how Belizean households are experiencing current economic conditions.
Business & Economy
Public Consultation on Turtle Island and Private Island Project Held in San Pedro
A public consultation on a proposed mixed-use real estate development southwest of San Pedro Town was held on November 27th at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. The area, identified as Turtle Island–Private Island, lies near established tourism and residential zones such as Cayo Espanto and Brahma Blue. The presentations focused on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Castle Capital Development Ltd., the company behind the proposed project. While conservation aspects were highlighted, the small group of stakeholders and tour guide students in attendance left with more questions than answers, expressing uncertainty about the project’s long-term environmental impacts.
Business & Economy
GST-Free Weekends Return for 2025 Christmas Shopping
Belizeans are set to benefit from two GST-free weekends this Christmas season, announced by the Belize Tax Service. The tax relief will take place on December 6–7 and December 20–21, allowing shoppers nationwide to purchase standard-rated goods without paying the usual 12.5% General Sales Tax (GST).
