Tag:
Belize Tourism Industry Association
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.
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.