Travel & Tourism
Joseph Pate Honored as BTB’s Frontline Hero for Exceptional Bartending Skills and Community Contributions
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) proudly announces Joseph Pate as the latest recipient of its esteemed Frontline Hero award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to both the bartending industry, tourism, and the community.
Joseph, affectionately known as JoeDaBartender, has been a stalwart in the bartending scene for over a decade, honing his craft with dedication and passion. His journey commenced at Coco Beach Resort, where he gained the foundational principles of bartending - speed, efficiency, and consistency.
Travel & Tourism
Belize’s South Water Caye has been recognized as one of the top 100 beaches in the world, receiving the Golden Beach Award for 2024
Blue Marlin Beach Resort is one of Belize's most tranquil island escapes, located 14 miles off the coast of South Water Caye in Dangriga Town. Based on a survey conducted by Beach Atlas titled "Golden Beach Award 2024," a hundred of the best beaches were selected worldwide, covering various aspects of what makes a beach exceptional. The "Blue Marlin Caye" landed in the top hundred unique beaches and ranked number seventy on the list. The beach is well known for its diverse criteria, highlighting the significance of local communities, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Business & Economy
Tourism stakeholders discuss Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s new increase in park fees
On Tuesday, May 21st, tour operators, tour guides, fly-fishing guides, and other business community members in San Pedro Town convened at the Lion's Den to discuss the increased fees to use the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Hosted by the San Pedro Tour Operators Association (SPTOA), and led by President Roberto Canul, the discussion in the public meeting heard most of the attendees disputing the increase, which was not yet official, from US$10 to US$20 to access the famous reserve. Many of those opposing the increase demanded a proper justification for such an increase and a public meeting with the Hol Chan management to understand the need for a 100% increase.
Business & Economy
Market days in Central Park are ideal for local artisans
For many years, the San Pedro Artisan Market was located in Central Park, where many set up shops to display their products to tourists. In 2016, the then San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), under the administration of previous Mayor Daniel Guerrero, moved the artisans to its current location on Angel Coral Street. Unlike the old days when visitors were greeted by the artisan market, today they can find signs guiding them to walk from Barrier Reef Drive (front street) heading west until they reach the third street of downtown to the “back street.”
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.
Education
First Tour Guide graduation ceremony held for 2024
A group of 36 residents from San Pedro have received their certification from the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) after completing a four-month-long national tour guide training. A brief ceremony to commemorate the accomplishment was held on Friday, March 1st, at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium, with the presence of their family and friends.
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.
Travel & Tourism
COPA Airlines Increase flight to Belize Year Round
Travelers from Latin America looking to experience the rich cultural tapestry and natural wonders of Belize can now do so with Copa Airlines enhanced nonstop service from Panama. Beginning in June, flights will operate conveniently on Mondays and Fridays, year-round, using the Boeing 737-700 aircraft.
Travel & Tourism
Belize Tourism Achieves Significant Milestones in 2023, demonstrating robust recovery
Belize's tourism sector has witnessed substantial growth in 2023, showcasing a resilient recovery after facing unprecedented challenges. The recently released preliminary tourism arrival figures reveal a noteworthy surge in both overnight stays and cruise ship visits, underscoring the destination's appeal and the industry's steadfast rebound.
Health
Tourism and Health: Belize takes steps to strengthen its response to pandemics
Three years ago, the tourism industry came to a halt when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the county. Belize’s Health Sector was put to the test, as relevant agencies worked round the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of the community and prevent mass fatalities. Fast forward to 2023, every day life for Belizeans has returned to normalcy, and the strict health regulation for the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be a distant memory. However, the tourism and health sectors were left wanting to learn from this pandemic to be better prepared for the next one.
Business & Economy
2023 Tourism Statists show impressive Overnight and Cruise Arrivals
Belize's Tourism Industry has made a remarkable rebound following the Covid-19 pandemic. With the number of overnight tourists steadily increasing each month, 2023 is on track to register over five hundred thousand visitors by the end of the year.
