Tag:
Minister of Tourism
Community and Society
San Pedro’s Saca Chispas Field to Undergo Major Upgrades
The Honorable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Arena, popularly known as Saca Chispas, located in downtown San Pedro, is set to undergo significant upgrades. The Ministry of Tourism has announced plans to transform the venue into a multi-purpose stadium. The field has previously hosted the Belize Tourism Board’s International Music and Food Festival. After holding the event there for two consecutive years, organizers recognized the need to renovate the facility to better accommodate larger crowds and high-profile performances. As a result, the festival will not take place this year.
Community and Society
Design changes made to the Artisan Market project; construction to start soon
A project to construct a new artisan market at El Embarcadero, west of downtown San Pedro, is encountering controversy as some artisans and residents oppose it. Following some small protests, the project will undergo minor design changes, leading to the removal of the previous poster displaying the market plans. The proposed new market is a collaborative effort between the Minister of Tourism, Honorable Anthony Mahler, and Area Representative, Honorable Andre Perez.
Community and Society
Island residents appeal for public consultation for proposed San Pedro Artisan Market project
On Tuesday, September 24th and Thursday, September 26th, a small demonstration occurred in downtown San Pedro at the “El Embarcadero” regarding a proposed project to develop the San Pedro Artisan Market. The project, supported by Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism, and Hon. Andre Perez, aims to provide artisans with an improved marketplace on Nurse Shark Street next to the lagoon. However, protesters expressed concerns over the government's lack of community consultation in the proposed project's decision-making process.
Business & Economy
Hol Chan Marine Reserve holds public meeting regarding park fee increase
On Wednesday, June 12th, tour operators and guides from San Pedro and Caye Caulker met to discuss the proposed fee increase at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) from US$10 to US$20. The attendees acknowledged that operational costs are rising and were open to an increase but requested a detailed analysis justifying the 100% raise. The HCMR management agreed to conduct a thorough study and provide a report to the stakeholders by Wednesday, June 19th, regarding the proposed fee hike to access the marine park.
Travel & Tourism
San Pedro Belize Express launches upgraded service to Chetumal, Quintana
San Pedro Belize Express launched the maiden voyage of their Three Star Voyager vessel for runs from San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, to Chetumal Quintana Roo, Mexico, on Saturday, February 24th. The ferry service will include runs between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro and will now have extended service to Chetumal. The passenger boat leaves from the Caye Caulker port at 7AM, stops at San Pedro's International Terminal at 8:30AM for immigration purposes, and then leaves for Chetumal. The vessel returns at 3:30PM Mexican time.
Community and Society
Police Press Officer ASP Fitzroy Yearwood passes away
On Tuesday, April 11th, the passing of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Fitzroy Yearwood, 47, was revealed to the public after suffering a stroke sometime on Saturday evening. Yearwood was the head of communications for the Belize Police Department (BPD) and presided over the daily police press briefings with the media.
Pageants & Beauty
Miss Universe Belize receives donation from BTB
On Tuesday, August 2nd, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) presented a $13,000 donation to the Miss Universe Belize pageant. Present to receive the donation from the Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Anthony Mahler, was the reigning Miss Universe Belize San Pedrana Iris Salguero. The pageant is on August 13th at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts in Belize City.
Health
New Health and Travel Insurance for visitors is still a go; some stakeholders do not support it
Despite the opposition of numerous tourism stakeholders to the government's plan to require health and travel insurance on visitors, this new requirement is expected to come into effect on February 15th. The new requirement even applies to those with their own health and travel insurance. This new insurance will be available for purchase via an online portal still in the works or at any country's entry point. The cost is US$18 for coverage up to US$50,000 in medical expenses related to COVID-19 and up to US$2,000 for lodging at the mandatory quarantine. The policy also makes provisions for trip cancellations, which may be necessary if someone falls ill with the virus.
