Tag:
Belize Tourism Board
Business & Economy
Tourism Stakeholders Warn Proposed Hotel Tax Increase Could Hurt Belize’s Competitiveness
Opposition continues to grow against a proposed increase in Belize’s hotel accommodation tax from the current 9% to 12.5%. Tourism stakeholders on the cayes and across the country believe the increase could make Belize a more expensive destination and place the country at a disadvantage when competing with other destinations in the region.
Community and Society
San Pedro Plans New Multipurpose Market, Parking and Event Space
On August 17th, Mayor Gualberto Nuñez expanded on plans the San Pedro Town Council shared on August 6th for the site of the old artisan market across from the Saca Chispas field. The council proposes clearing the existing structures and redeveloping the property into a multipurpose complex featuring a formal market for fresh produce, dedicated artisan stalls, parking, and rentable event space.
Business & Economy
Secret Beach stakeholders meet to address ongoing challenges
On Friday, August 7th, members of the Secret Beach Association (SBA) convened a meeting to address several concerns affecting stakeholders and the growing tourism destination northwest of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Among the main issues discussed were security, public health, road infrastructure, and garbage collection. Several government officials and agencies were invited to participate in the discussion; however, some were not represented at the meeting.
Community and Society
Hospitality professionals sharpen wine service skills through BTB training
A Wine Sommelier Training was held from July 27th to 28th at Larimar Seafood and Steakhouse, north of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Participants learned from Belizean Ian Adrian Nal, a certified sommelier, award-winning beverage professional, and entrepreneur. The training equipped attendees with the fundamentals of wine tasting, service, and food pairing.
Business & Economy
Belize Connect Business Expo Showcases 43 Businesses
The Belize Connect Business Expo 2026 brought together 43 businesses from across the country at Grand Caribe on Saturday, July 18. Held from 11AM to 5PM under the theme "Bridging Businesses for Collective Success," the event provided exhibitors with an opportunity to showcase their products and services while connecting with potential clients and business partners.
Business & Economy
June Overnight Tourism Arrivals Decline 5%; San Pedro Continues to Lead Belize’s Tourism Market
Belize recorded 41,940 overnight visitor arrivals in June 2026, according to the Belize Tourism Board's (BTB) latest Tourism Performance Dashboard. While the figure represents a 5.0% decline compared to June 2025, the data continues to highlight the country's reliance on the North American market and the importance of San Pedro as one of Belize's leading tourism destinations.
Environment
Sargassum Continues to Impact Belize’s Coastline
The ongoing influx of sargassum along Belize's Caribbean coastline continues to impact coastal communities, with large quantities of the seaweed now affecting Belize City as well as long-struggling destinations such as San Pedro Town. Municipal authorities, tourism stakeholders, and businesses are intensifying cleanup efforts as the decomposing seaweed threatens public spaces, marine ecosystems, and the country's tourism industry.
Business & Economy
Vendors Call for More Promotion of New Artisan Market
The new artisan market in the Embarcadero area hosted its first night market event on June 18th, signaling to the community that the venue is now fully open for business. While some artisans from the former market along Angel Coral Street, across from the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex, have relocated to the new facility, several vendors say stronger promotion is needed to attract customers. As a result, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is expected to explore activities to increase public awareness of the new location.