Business & Economy
Caye Caulker BTIA opens new Tourism Information Center
The Caye Caulker Belize Tourism Industry Association (CCBTIA) inaugurated its new Tourist Information Center (TIC) in Caye Caulker Village on August 2, 2024. The event was attended by a diverse group of guests, including BTIA members, management, and representatives from the Belize Tourism Board. The main highlight was a ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked the official commencement of TIC's operations in Caye Caulker.
Environment
New park fee go into effect at Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Starting August 1st, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) will implement a new entrance fee of US$15 for all 15 zones. Initially, there were discussions of a US$20 fee, but this was met with resistance from tour guides and operators. While some accept the new fee, a US$5 increase from the previous cost of US$10, others are worried about its impact on their businesses. The HCMR management has not provided additional comments on the fee increase.
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.
