Travel & Tourism

Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize announces the expansion of its culinary offerings with two new dining experiences that celebrate the flavors of Belize and the charm of island life. Guests and visitors alike can now enjoy a curated 3-course Belizean dining experience at Riddles in the Sand and a casual, beachfront eatery at the newly-opened ‘Shoreline’, located adjacent to the resort's Tour & Activity Center.

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.

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.

After Tropical Storm Nadine passed on October 19th, residents of San Pedro did not anticipate another weather system to impact the area in mid-November. While the hurricane season typically concludes at the end of the month, storms rarely form in November. However, this year was different, as Tropical Storm Sara emerged, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding to much of Belize, including the Cayes, over the weekend of November 17th. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) branch was activated to monitor the weather system. Shelters were set up, and the team remained on standby for any emergencies.

In San Pedro Town, recent efforts have been focused on addressing significant drainage issues and improving road conditions, which have been worsened by flooding from Tropical Storm Sara. Under the leadership of Mayor Gualberto "Wally" Nuñez and Councilor Ernesto Bardalez, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is undertaking a multi-phase initiative to enhance drainage systems and pave roads across the island. Several neighborhoods, including San Pablo, DFC, and Escalante Marina Drive, have already experienced progress due to the ongoing road construction project. However, the lack of a proper drainage system on the newly paved roads continues to result in flooding in these neighborhoods, causing considerable discomfort for the residents.

Belize is quickly becoming one of the premier fishing destinations in Central America, especially for saltwater anglers looking for diverse fishing experiences. A recent study by Fish Booker, a well-known global platform for booking fishing trips, highlights Belize’s growing appeal in this area. The study analyzed 266 fishing locations outside the United States, using five key criteria based on data from over 40,000 fishing excursions conducted in the past year.

On Friday, September 27th, Belize celebrated Tourism Day by hosting a gathering of global leaders during the 1st Annual World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards at the Oakridge Venus in Spanish Lookout. The event aimed to acknowledge individuals and organizations contributing positively to tourism and pioneering sustainability initiatives. Among other countries, Belize stood out and was awarded for being the leading sustainable destination, recognizing its efforts to implement sustainable tourism practices, preserve natural and cultural heritage, and promote responsible tourism worldwide.

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.