Business & Economy
High Property Costs Weigh on San Pedro Real Estate Market
The cost of purchasing and maintaining property in San Pedro is becoming a growing concern for prospective buyers, according to local real estate representatives who report weaker interest and slower market activity. Beyond the purchase price, closing expenses, recurring fees, and property upkeep can increase the financial commitment of owning a home or investment property on Ambergris Caye.
Business & Economy
Stone Crab Special License Conditions & VMS Installation Schedule
The Fisheries Department informs all fishers and the public that, in accordance with the Fisheries Resources Act and Statutory Instrument No. 108 of 2022, the Florida Stone Crab (Menippe mercenaria) fishing season is officially open from October 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
Business & Economy
August Inflation Reaches 4.4%; Consumer Confidence Slips
The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) reported higher consumer prices and a slight decline in consumer confidence in August 2026. The national Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 4.4% compared with August 2025, while the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) slipped from 42.6 in July to 42.4 in August.
Business & Economy
Queen Conch season officially opens in Belize
Belize’s queen conch season officially opened on Thursday, October 1, bringing one of the country’s most popular seafood products back to markets and restaurant menus. For fishers in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, the season adds another income stream to their fishing businesses. It also means restaurants can once again serve favorites such as conch ceviche and conch soup.
Business & Economy
BTIA Calls for Clarity on Proposed Hotel Tax Increase
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) opposes a proposed increase in the Hotel Accommodation Tax and asks the government to provide the plan in writing. The association discussed the issue at its annual general meeting, and it remains a concern for tourism stakeholders. BTIA and the Belize Hotel Association (BHA) have requested a meeting with Prime Minister John Briceño, the Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations, and the Belize Tourism Board.
Business & Economy
Belize marks 50 years of a two-to-one exchange rate with the U.S. dollar
Belize marked 50 years of its fixed exchange rate with the U.S. dollar at a September 23rd event. The Central Bank of Belize said it adopted the BZ$2 to US$1 rate on May 11, 1976. Officials at the event reflected on the peg’s history and what it will take to maintain it. For Belizeans, the rate provides a familiar basis for calculating the cost of U.S. goods, overseas purchases and travel. The Central Bank describes the peg as an anchor for trade, investment, pricing and financial planning. It says the fixed rate also helps businesses make investment decisions with greater certainty.
Business & Economy
$5.2 Million Program Targets Sugarcane Mealybug Infestation
The Government of Belize has approved an approximately $5.2 million emergency program to address a growing mealybug infestation affecting sugarcane production and farmers’ livelihoods in northern Belize. The initiative was announced on September 7th as the government and industry partners moved to protect the sugar industry from further losses.
Business & Economy
Government Clarifies Plans for Proposed Belize Revenue Authority
Following protests and concerns raised by employees of the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD), the Government of Belize has issued a detailed explanation of its plan to establish the semi-autonomous Belize Revenue Authority (BRA). In a press release issued on September 4th, the Ministry of Finance and the BTSD said the reform is intended to strengthen tax administration, improve services for taxpayers and protect government revenue. The proposed institution has also been widely referred to as the Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA).
Business & Economy
GOB Expands GST Exemption on Residential Electricity Bills
The Government of Belize (GOB) has expanded the General Sales Tax (GST) exemption on residential electricity bills, raising the monthly threshold from $100 to $200. The measure is intended to provide relief to Belizeans facing higher electricity costs.
Business & Economy
Tourism Minister Pushes Back Against Proposed Accommodation Tax Increase
As opposition grows against a proposed increase in Belize’s hotel accommodation tax from 9% to 12.5%, Minister of Tourism Honorable Anthony Mahler has said he does not believe the timing is right. He noted that discussions have been ongoing for nearly two years but described the recent announcement of the proposal as premature.
Business & Economy
Officials Reject Rumors of Increased Fares Across Caye Caulker Split
A rumor claiming that transportation fares across The Split in Caye Caulker had increased has been rejected by both the Belize Port Authority (BPA) and the Caye Caulker Village Council. The claim, which circulated on social media in late August, suggested that golf cart users would be charged $60 for a round trip, plus an additional fee for each passenger.