Tag:
Belize Tourism Industry Association
Community and Society
$300K Emergency Relief Secured to Help Coastal Stakeholders Combat Sargassum
The Sargassum issue continues to affect Belize’s coastal communities. To better respond to this environmental phenomenon that impacts the tourism industry, a BZ$300,000 grant from the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future has been made available to assist coastal businesses dealing with the buildup of seaweed along their beaches. The grant will support private-sector stakeholders significantly affected by Sargassum influxes, including those in priority coastal destinations such as San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and the mainland communities of Hopkins, Seine Bight, and Placencia.
Community and Society
BTIA President Efren Perez Retains Second Term as President of FEDECATUR
The President of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), Efren Perez, was confirmed on June 3rd to serve a second term as President of the Federation of Tourism Chambers of Central America and the Dominican Republic (FEDECATUR). The rotating leadership position at the regional organization has placed Belize at the center of regional tourism dialogue.
Business & Economy
SP BTIA Hosts International Travel Wholesalers Networking Luncheon
The San Pedro Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (SP BTIA) recently hosted a networking luncheon connecting island tourism stakeholders with two international travel wholesalers currently visiting Belize to explore accommodations and tourism experiences for their growing client markets.
Travel & Tourism
JetBlue becomes second airline to suspend Belize flights
American low-cost airline JetBlue ended its service between Belize City and New York City on May 21, 2026, as part of a restructuring plan aimed at improving profitability. The suspension of its three weekly flights, which began in 2023, is expected to impact travelers from the United States East Coast seeking a direct route to Belize. This marks the second airline this month to withdraw from the Jewel, following Spirit Airlines' discontinuation of its Belize service on May 2nd.
Conservation
BTIA Calls for Immediate Moratorium on Mining and Dredging Activities in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) is taking a firm and unequivocal position regarding the increasing environmental concerns surrounding ongoing mining, dredging, coastal alteration, and mangrove degradation activities impacting the Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye areas.
Arts & Culture
Ancient Maya ballgame takes center stage at 2nd Pok Ta Pok Festival
The second annual Pok Ta Pok Festival took place at the Eco-Museum on North Ambergris Caye in San Pedro on Sunday, May 17th, from 11AM to 8PM. Hosted by Eco Museum Belize and the Ambergris North Alliance, the event featured live matches, food, music, and cultural activities celebrating Maya heritage and traditions. The festival starred the K’iinich Ahau Belize Pok Ta Pok Team, with proceeds benefiting the Eco Museum, the Ambergris North Alliance, and participating teams.
Environment
Tourism Leaders Chart Strategy to Combat Sargassum Impact
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) and the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) convened key stakeholders on April 29th at Mambo Restaurant at Matachica Resort in northern San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, to address the growing influx of sargassum affecting coastal tourism. Led by BTIA President Efren Perez and featuring BTB Director of Industry Development and Guest Experience Andrew Usher, the meeting brought together representatives from the Sargassum Task Force and tourism stakeholders to review research findings, learn about mitigation equipment, and coordinate a more unified response to the issue.
Travel & Tourism
San Pedro Concerns Highlighted in BTIA Meeting with Tourism Minister
On Monday, March 16th, the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) Board of Directors, representing each district in the country, along with its Executive Committee, attended an in-person meeting with the Honorable Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism. San Pedro Chapter Chairwoman Melanie Paz represented Ambergris Caye interests. The meeting focused on urgent tourism challenges across the country, with San Pedro and Caye Caulker highlighted as particularly vulnerable amid ongoing infrastructure development.