Thursday, March 28, 2024

Travel & Tourism

Belize Flats Fishery Association holds membership drive in San Pedro

On Thursday, October 19th, the newly created Belize Flats Fishery Association (BFFA) held a membership drive inside La San Pedrana Restaurant on Barrier Reef Drive. The event was attended by fly-fishing guides, stakeholders involved in fly-fishing, and advocates of this tourism product. During the meeting, the board of directors was introduced, and the BFFA's goal of bringing voices together, looking after its members, and promoting conservation was shared.

San Pedro BTB Office to re-open

San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, has been without a Belize Tourism Board (BTB) office for over three years after it closed in June 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This office is essential for tour operators, tour guides, and other industry partners, and as a result, the closure has led to trips to the mainland for tourism queries. But those days are about to be a thing of the past, as on Thursday, October 5th, during a meeting with Tourism Minister Honourable Anthony Mahler, San Pedro stakeholders were informed that the BTB office would soon be re-opened.

Margaritaville Beach Resort in northern Ambergris Caye officially opens

The first Margaritaville Beach Resort in Belize was officially inaugurated on Wednesday, October 4th, in northern Ambergris Caye after a soft opening in March of this year. The new resort, located 13 miles north of San Pedro Town, is described as a secluded, family-friendly hideaway with a stunning beach in front of the second-longest coral reef in the world. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and program included dignitaries and special guests, who were later introduced to the different services and amenities offered by the new beach resort.

Post-Covid tourism in Belize; Tourism Ministry says arrivals on the rise

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Belize’s economy plummeted after the tourism industry came to a grinding halt. Fast-forward to 2023, the tourism industry has returned, but some believe it doesn’t compare to 2019. On Thursday, September 28th, the Ministry of Tourism shared an update on the state of the industry, citing that the overnight arrivals continue to show improvement and the upcoming high season is expected to be very successful.

Caye Caulker airport reopens

On Wednesday, September 20th, the Caye Caulker Municipal Airport reopened after renovation. The Belize Airports Authority (BAA) said that the airport underwent a transformation that will enhance the travel experience and safety for both locals and visitors to Caye Caulker. The airport closed on July 18th, and the BAA stated that the central repairs included improvements to the runway. Some of the issues included undulations considered dangerous for the routine daily flights operated by the local airlines, Tropic Air and Maya Island Air.

Road Safety Tips During Independence Celebration

Belize, at 42, has grown immensely in its economic and infrastructure position. The economy continues to develop, and our roads continue to improve; however, one type of growth we do not want to see is the growth in the number of traffic fatalities.

Four Seasons breaks ground on Caye Chapel Resort and Residences

On Saturday, September 2nd, the construction plans of a five-star Four Seasons resort on Caye Chapel were revealed during a groundbreaking ceremony on the private island. The international luxury hotel and resort company plans to construct a 104-room hotel, 50 private residences, a 10-hole White Shark Golf Course designed by retired professional golfer Greg Norman, and over-the-water accommodations that include hotel guests’ rooms, shared facilities, and a detached swimming area offshore. Other amenities will include an upgraded marina, health and wellness facility, a private beach clubhouse, restaurants, cafes, and a 3,400-foot runway for Cessna planes. Caye Chapel Four Seasons is set to open in 2025.

Increase in international flights to Belize expected this winter season

The following winter season, destinations like Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and other mainland attractions across the country can expect a spike in tourism with the increase in seasonal flights from the United States and Canada. The Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations revealed that these additional direct flights to Belize will surpass those of 2019.