Tag:
Tourism Industry
Travel & Tourism
Tourism Industry Optimistic for Robust Season Following Launch of New Flights
As the low tourism season continues, many stakeholders in Belize, particularly on Ambergris Caye, are optimistic about the upcoming high season following the announcement of new and expanded international flights from the United States and Canada. These additional routes are expected to boost visitor arrivals and strengthen the country’s tourism industry. One of the most anticipated additions is Spirit Airlines’ new non-stop service from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, set to begin next month.
Travel & Tourism
San Pedro ranks fourth among top islands in Central & South America
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, has been ranked as the fourth-best island in Central and South America in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. The results were released on Tuesday, October 7th, following votes from thousands of readers worldwide who selected their preferred destinations across several travel categories.
Community and Society
Relocated Artisan Market to Open Before Year-End
The relocation of the San Pedro Artisan Market is progressing steadily, with plans to inaugurate the new site before the end of 2025. The project aims to improve facilities for local artisans and enhance the tourist experience in San Pedro, in line with the government’s commitment to supporting small businesses while boosting tourism.
Business & Economy
San Pedro Businesses Struggle Amid Record Sargassum Influx
This year has brought record levels of Sargassum to the Caribbean, with unprecedented amounts of the brown algae affecting coastlines across the region, including Belize. On Ambergris Caye, the heavy influx has forced some beachfront businesses in San Pedro Town to shorten operating hours, while others have extended seasonal closures until October, when the seaweed is expected to subside.
Environment
Escalating Sargassum Crisis Affecting Both Economy and Environment
Belize’s coastal communities, particularly San Pedro, are facing an overwhelming influx of sargassum seaweed, which threatens marine ecosystems and the tourism industry. Since early this year, beaches have been covered in thick mats of decaying seaweed. At the same time, nutrient-rich runoff from decomposing sargassum has led to a worrying increase in marine life mortality.
Community and Society
San Pedro, Orange Walk, Belmopan, to form sister city partnership with Bacalar, Mexico
San Pedro, Orange Walk, Belmopan, and Bacalar, Mexico, have embarked on a sister city collaboration to boost tourism, promote cultural exchange, and advance sustainable development. The initiative took a significant step forward with a preliminary exchange on August 7th, during which the mayors of each municipality discussed actionable plans.
Travel & Tourism
Tourism Slows Across San Pedro as Businesses Adjust for Off-Season
The low tourism season in Belize typically begins in June, coinciding with the start of the rainy season. A brief uptick in visitors is usually seen in July during the annual lobster festivals, but afterward, tourist arrivals decline. This year is no exception, with several businesses, particularly hotels, noticing a drop in occupancy. The trend has also affected restaurants and souvenir shops, prompting many to begin planning for the slow months ahead until the high season resumes in November. While some establishments intend to close temporarily, others are shifting focus to attract local tourists.
Community and Society
Belize Port Authority to implement new fees; Tourism stakeholders concerned
San Pedro stakeholders are voicing concern over a new set of regulatory measures to be implemented by the Belize Port Authority (BPA). The measures include several new fees outlined in Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 114 of 2024. The SI, known as the Harbours and Merchant Shipping (Marina) Regulations, is part of the BPA’s broader initiative to standardize and regulate marinas, piers, and dock operations nationwide under a transparent framework.
