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Minister of Tourism
Travel & Tourism
Belize Expands International Airlift with Montreal–Belize City Route
Over the past few years, the Government of Belize has been lobbying to increase the number of airlines flying to the country. A slight increase in new regional routes was observed prior to COVID-19, but after 2020, most new routes have originated from North America. The latest announcement features a direct flight between Montreal, Canada, and Belize City, Belize, commencing on December 8, 2025. Air Canada will offer this new non-stop flight, aiming to enhance accessibility for Canadian and European travellers planning to visit the Jewel during the winter season.
Community and Society
Ministry of Tourism Says Infrastructural Improvements Coming to Secret Beach
The Secret Beach area, located on the northwest side of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, is one of the most popular recreational areas on the island, attracting investment from the private sector and adding to the island’s tourism product. However, the area lacks proper infrastructure, including electricity, running water, and drainage, among other essential services. Minister of Tourism, the Honorable Anthony Mahler, stated that this much-needed infrastructure is planned for this area of Ambergris Caye.
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.