Tag:
Minister of Tourism
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.
Community and Society
Re-opening of land borders and seaports postponed until February 2022
The full re-opening of land borders with Mexico and Guatemala set for January 1, 2022, has now been pushed to February. This abrupt change comes after formal recommendations from the COVID-19 Advisory Committee.
Community and Society
BTIA Holds 35th Annual General Meeting
On Thursday, December 3rd the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) held their 35th Annual General Meeting.
Community and Society
Amendment to new SI welcomed by tourism stakeholders
Stakeholders welcomed the amendments to the new Statutory Instrument (SI) regarding the COVID-19 Regulations 2020 No. 170, allowing open-air restaurants to accommodate a 50% seating capacity instead of only 12 patrons as previously announced. The 21-day curfew scheduled for Saturday, November 28th, will start at 10PM and not at 9PM as previously announced and ending at 4:59AM.
