Tag:
Tourism Industry
Community and Society
GOB introduces new digital immigration and customs declaration system
The Government of Belize (GOB) has launched a new Digital Immigration and Customs Declaration System to streamline the travel process for arrivals and departures. This initiative started on December 1, 2024, at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) and will be rolled out in phases over three months. During this transition period, travelers can choose between using the digital system or traditional paper forms, ensuring a smooth adjustment as the new platform is improved based on user feedback.
Business & Economy
Island Tourism Stakeholder take part in Sustainability as a Business Revaluation Workshop
On November 26th, in San Pedro Town, Riviera Maya Sostenible, a Mexico-based organization, partnered with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) to host a workshop titled "Sustainability as a Business Revaluation Process" at the San Pedro Lions Club Den. The event aimed to support global sustainability goals by raising awareness and encouraging the local tourism industry to adopt sustainable practices. Promoting sustainability is essential for Belize's tourism sector, as it contributes to economic growth while safeguarding the environment and preserving cultural heritage.
Community and Society
San Pedro Tourism Awards recognize outstanding island stakeholders in the industry
For the third consecutive year, several businesses that excel in the tourism industry were honored for their outstanding contributions to this vital sector in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Councilor Ernesto Bardalez organizes the annual event, known as the "San Pedro Tourism Awards. " Bardalez, along with Mayor Gualberto "Wally" Nuñez and Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez, presented the awards to the winners at this year's gala.
Community and Society
Tropic Air adds a new Cessna Grand Caravan EX to its fleet
Tropic Air is a domestic airline in Belize that provides services throughout the country and to neighboring countries. The airline recently invested in a new Cessna Grand Caravan EX, marking a significant addition to its fleet. Founded in 1979, Tropic Air has been essential to air travel services in Belize, particularly to areas like San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker Village.
Conservation
Island fishers and guides concerned about ongoing large developments on Ambergris Caye
San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, is experiencing significant growth, with large construction projects visible almost anywhere on the island. Many of these developments are intended to boost the tourism industry, while others aim to further stimulate the real estate sector. While these projects are also designed to create jobs, some residents are concerned that certain developments are not adequately monitored and are causing damage to delicate natural environments like mangrove forests and the seabed. This poses a threat to the livelihoods of fishermen and tour operators involved in activities such as sports fishing.
Travel & Tourism
Major upgrades planned for Belize’s Philip Goldson International Airport
Ranked as one of the worst airports in Central America in a travel magazine article, the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), north of Belize City, is set for major upgrades within the next two years. These upgrades, expected to significantly improve the airport’s facilities and services, may remove the PGIA from such ratings.
Local News
Unsustainable power services may pose a threat to the tourism industry
The power crisis in Belize is ongoing, with planned power outages, also known as 'load shedding,' happening daily across the country. This measure, implemented by Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), stabilizes the national grid and meets power demands. Power rationing is a concern in areas like San Pedro, Ambergris Caye as it impacts the tourism industry. Many stakeholders have reported losses due to this issue but remain hopeful that if the crisis is addressed correctly, it will not significantly affect the country's leading tourism destination.
Business & Economy
Tourist arrivals to Belize reach record high, surpassing 2019 numbers
The Belize The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) announced on Tuesday, March 5th, that the number of overnight tourist arrivals to Belize for January and February of 2024 has exceeded that of 2019. The report stated that foreign visitor arrival figures were historic, and February alone hit an all-time high for any month in the country’s tourism industry.