Tag:
Belize Tourism Industry Association
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.
Community and Society
BTIA San Pedro Chapter Holds Annual General Meeting and Membership Mixer
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) San Pedro Chapter held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and membership mixer on Monday, February 10th, at El Fogon Restaurant, beginning at 6PM. The meeting was led by SP BTIA Chairwoman Melanie Paz and attended by BTIA members, guests, San Pedro Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Nuñez, and BTIA National President Efren Perez. The evening included presentations, elections, and discussions on key tourism and development issues affecting Ambergris Caye.
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.
Travel & Tourism
BTIA Gathers Stakeholder Input for National Tourism Plan
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) hosted its first 2026 destination consultation meeting in San Pedro on January 9th. The sessions, led by BTIA President Efren Perez and Executive Director Linette Canto, marked the start of the association’s national engagement process ahead of its 2026 National Strategic Plan.
Conservation
WWF’s 2025 Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge comes to San Pedro
On Monday, September 15th, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) hosted the 2025 Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge meeting at the Sun Breeze Hotel in San Pedro. The event brought together conservation leaders, policymakers, developers, and community stakeholders to highlight the importance of mangroves and encourage innovative, sustainable development across Belize.
Environment
Grants to Combat Sargassum Made Available by the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future
A quarter million dollars in grant funding has been allocated to the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) and the Belize Hotel Association (BHA) under the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future to help combat the ongoing Sargassum influx. The funds will support coastal communities struggling with the seaweed and assist established beachfront businesses with clean-up efforts.
Community and Society
Grand Resort & Residences to Boost Belize City Hospitality
A new chapter in Belize City’s hospitality scene was celebrated in style on August 2nd, as The Grand Resort & Residences held its highly anticipated soft opening with an exclusive poolside gala. The event brought together approximately 200 distinguished guests, including government officials, tourism leaders, business executives, and community partners, to witness the dawn of what is poised to become a landmark destination in Belize City.