Tag:
Ministry of Tourism
Community and Society
San Pedro Town’s Municipal airstrip upgraded
The John Greif II Municipal Airport in San Pedro Town underwent significant upgrades in December 2024, enhancing its capacity and safety features for peak tourism season. This project, which had a budget of approximately $3.7 million, was a collaborative effort involving the Belize Airports Authority, the Ministry of Tourism, and private sector partners such as Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, along with a grant from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
Community and Society
“Lack of consultation” leads to injunction on Artisan Market Project
The situation regarding the relocation of the artisan market in San Pedro Town has escalated due to a recent injunction to stop the ongoing construction project. The Ministry of Tourism and Honorable Andre Perez plan to establish a new artisan market at El Embarcadero on Nurse Shark Street. However, this proposal has encountered opposition from local artisans, fishermen, and residents, who argue that the site is unsuitable and threatens their livelihoods.
Community and Society
Injunction filed to halt construction of Artisan Market at El Embarcadero
The situation regarding the relocation of the artisan market in San Pedro, Belize, escalated when a recent injunction was filed to halt the ongoing construction project. The Ministry of Tourism and the Honorable Andre Perez, Area Representative for Belize Rural South, plan to build a new artisan market at El Embarcadero on Nurse Shark Street. This has faced strong opposition from local artisans, fishermen, and residents, who argue that the proposed site is unsuitable and threatens their livelihoods. This injunction was submitted by Severro Guerrero, along with other residents of San Pedro.
Business & Economy
Possible Hotel Tax increase in discussion
Following reports of a potential increase in the hotel tax from 9% to 12.5%, the tourism industry has expressed concerns. However, the Ministry of Tourism has clarified that this is part of a broader tax reform discussion, and no decision has yet been made.
Health
Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit receives upgrade
The Accident and Emergency Unit at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City has been upgraded, marking a significant milestone in healthcare. The Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, in a powerful display of collaboration, prioritized the enhancement of the most frequently utilized area within the unit. This joint effort aims to improve the quality of care provided to the diverse patients they attend daily, underscoring the importance of unity in the pursuit of better healthcare.
Business & Economy
Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s new park fee remains undecided
The proposed increase in entrance fees at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) from US$10 to US$20 has sparked controversy among tour operators and tour guides. They have voiced their concerns, questioning the HCMR management about the 100% increase and the need for a proper justification. HCMR has responded to these concerns, explaining the process that led to the new proposed entrance fee. It's important to note that the US$20 entrance fee was not a unilateral decision by Hol Chan but a collective one following a meeting with the heads of the associations representing tour operators, tour guides, and sports fishers, ensuring transparency in the decision-making process.
Travel & Tourism
Belizean pilot flies JetBlue’s inaugural flight to Belize
A Belizean pilot, Jason Smith, was on the flight crew that brought down Belize JetBlue's inaugural non-stop flight on Wednesday, December 6th, from New York City's John Fitzgerald Kennedy International Airport. Smith, a native of Punta Gorda Town (PG) in the Toledo District, was honored to pilot the Airbus A320 that touched down at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) on Wednesday afternoon.
Community and Society
BEL shares with Ambergris Caye stakeholders new power expansion plan
On Wednesday, November 29th, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) engaged San Pedro Ambergris Caye stakeholders in an informative session about the company's power generation expansion plan. The project, dubbed BEL's Generation Expansion Plan, outlined the strategic initiatives to meet the growing power demands of Ambergris Caye and avoid an energy crisis on the island.
