Tourism Industry

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, is considered Belize’s premier tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The island, dubbed ‘La Isla Bonita,’ has even been called the country’s tourism mecca because of its popularity, beauty, and proximity to the second-largest barrier reef in the world. However, Minister of Tourism, Honourable Anthony Mahler, believes Ambergris Caye’s infrastructure requires significant improvements to continue meeting the demands of the tourism industry.

The number of piers in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, has long been a topic of debate as the town continues promoting itself as a beach destination. Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez has indicated that the island is now overrun with docks and reminded the public that no additional permits will be approved for the construction of new piers. Authorities say much of the eastern coastline is already saturated with docks, which have become an eyesore for residents and visitors alike.

The Government of Belize has launched a series of National Consultations to strengthen the country’s response to climate change, with a particular focus on vulnerable coastal communities and key economic sectors, such as tourism. The consultations, taking place from January 19 to January 30, 2026, are being led by the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Solid Waste Management, through the National Climate Change Office (NCCO). The process forms part of Belize’s National Adaptation Planning efforts, which aim to reduce climate risks and improve long-term resilience nationwide.

Tour operators, restaurant owners, and hoteliers in San Pedro are reporting a noticeable slowdown in tourism during the first week of January 2026, following the traditionally busy Christmas and New Year’s holiday period. Local businesses describe quieter streets and lower-than-expected bookings during what is typically considered peak tourism season.

The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) hosted its first 2026 destination consultation meeting in San Pedro on January 9th. The sessions, led by BTIA President Efren Perez and Executive Director Linette Canto, marked the start of the association’s national engagement process ahead of its 2026 National Strategic Plan.

Secret Beach, one of Ambergris Caye’s most popular tourist destinations, is slated to undergo a beach rehabilitation project in 2026 as part of ongoing efforts to address shoreline erosion on the island. Area Representative Hon. Andre Perez confirmed that erosion has been identified at Secret Beach, located northwest of San Pedro Town, prompting plans for a beach nourishment programme. The area continues to attract heavy visitor traffic, particularly during peak tourism periods.

Beach restoration efforts in San Pedro Town are progressing slowly as authorities contend with a long-standing erosion problem that has been intensified by increasing sargassum influxes. Environmental consultant Valentine Rosado says the situation requires sustainable, science-based solutions rather than short-term fixes.

The San Pedro Town Council continues its road rehabilitation project, now focusing on the northern roads of Ambergris Caye. With two graders and two rollers in operation, the work targets damaged sections from just past Belizean Shores to Secret Beach and beyond toward Sapphire Beach. Operations Manager Alex Eck, who oversees the project, outlined progress during an interview on December 2nd, noting repairs that include filling potholes with rock material from Blue Dolphin and Las Terrazas to Journey’s End and El Guapo, with plans to finish upgrades toward the port and extend improvements to South Road. The timely efforts aim to address road deterioration before the peak tourist season and ensure smoother travel along the island’s northern corridor.