Travel
What’s New: A Culinary Journey at Akasha Restaurant
Located on the western coast of Ambergris Caye, Akasha Restaurant at Aruna Resort and Villas offers a unique dining experience characterized by bold flavors, local ingredients, and creative presentation. Chef Carlos Serrano, who brings over twenty years of industry experience to the table, is behind Akasha's cuisine.
Travel & Tourism
BTB Hosts Key Tourism Events Highlighting Growth and Innovation
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) successfully hosted three events on Thursday, May 8th, and Friday, May 9th, at the Belize Civic Center in Belize City, drawing hundreds of participants from across the tourism and business sectors. The Building on Our Momentum (B.O.O.M.) Forum, the Belize Airlift Development Conference, and the 9th Annual Digital Marketing Summit highlighted the country's strategic direction for sustainable tourism, enhanced air connectivity, and cutting-edge digital engagement.
Travel & Tourism
Aruna officially opens as San Pedro’s newest eco-resort
On Friday, April 11th, Ambergris Caye's newest resort officially opened its doors. Located 1.3 miles west of San Pedro Town, Aruna Resort is an eco-luxury development that aims to diversify the accommodation options available on the island. The opening events included a brief welcome ceremony, a ribbon cutting ceremony, and a guest mixer at the on-site over-the-water restaurant, Akasha.
Community and Society
San Pedro BTIA hosts Membership Mixer; industry partners are encouraged to sign up
On Friday, April 11th, the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) San Pedro Chapter hosted a Membership Mixer event at its Tourism Information Center across from the Saca Chispas field. The event aimed to share information about the work and advocacy efforts of both the local chapter and the national BTIA within the tourism industry and encourage new businesses to become members.
Community and Society
What’s New: LIV Agave Beach Club brings a Tequila flair to downtown San Pedro
Downtown San Pedro is renowned for its vibrant commercial and culinary scene, attracting visitors and locals. With numerous options for shopping and selecting the perfect spot for dining and drinking by the beach, a new and unique eatery opened on Saturday, March 8th. LIV Agave Beach Club is unlike any other place in San Pedro, featuring a tequila-themed ambiance designed to provide a distinctive dining experience. Guests can dine in the air-conditioned lounge or enjoy an alfresco setting on the beach near the fully stocked bar.
Community and Society
14 Tropic Air Employees Certified as Tour Guides
A class of pilots and staff from Tropic Air received their certificates after completing the National Tour Guide Training Program. A brief ceremony was held at the company’s corporate headquarters, during which representatives from the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and trainer Philip ‘Billy’ Leslie distributed certificates to the participants. Fourteen department staff members undertook the course and can now apply for their Tour Guide licenses.
Community and Society
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held for Improvements at John Greif II Municipal Airport
On Wednesday, February 19th, a ceremony was held in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, to officially unveil the upgrades to the John Greif II Municipal Airport. The Belize Airports Authority (BAA) has made significant improvements to one of Belize’s busiest airports, including thermoplastic markings, new taxiway lights, a new holding bay area, modern LED runway lights, and complete resurfacing of the runway. These enhancements are expected to make take-offs and landings safer and facilitate smoother and more efficient aircraft movement.
Community and Society
Tren Maya could reshape tourism in Belize
The Tren Maya project, a major railway initiative in the southeastern region of Mexico, will possibly expand into Belize. Belize's Prime Minister, Johnny Briceño, has officially proposed extending the train across the Hondo River to promote regional integration and boost tourism. The expansion would occur in two stages: first, a seven-kilometer track would be constructed from Quintana Roo to Belize; second, a route would connect Belize to Guatemala, passing through Tikal National Park.
Business & Economy
Government of Belize seeks to increase the hotel tax to 12.5%
The Government of Belize (GOB) is considering a significant increase in the hotel tax, proposing to raise it from the current rate of 9% to 12.5%. This proposal follows a period of unprecedented growth in the country's tourism sector. The planned tax increase is part of a broader strategy to enhance tourism infrastructure and support national development. This decision aligns with the government's goal of taking advantage of the thriving tourism industry by generating additional revenue through higher taxes.
Community and Society
BTIA Elects New President at its Annual General Meeting
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) held its 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, 17 January 2025, at the Best Western Plus Biltmore Plaza in Belize City. One of the key items on the agenda was the election of new officers to the Board. Mr. Stewart Krohn, who had served as BTIA President for four years, has passed on the title to Corozal Chair, Mr. Efren Perez, who will serve as President for the next two years.
Business & Economy
Belize celebrates record-breaking tourist arrivals in 2024
In 2024, Belize's tourism sector has seen remarkable growth, making it a historic year for the industry. The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) reported that overnight visitor arrivals reached 562,405, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 11.8% compared to 2019, the previous peak year for tourism in the country. The year 2024 has been transformative for Belize's tourism industry, marked by record-breaking visitor numbers and substantial economic contributions, solidifying the country's position as a leading destination in the Caribbean.
