Travel & Tourism
Belize records steady tourism growth in first quarter of 2026
Belize’s tourism sector has kicked off 2026 with consistent performance, recording 187,290 overnight visitor arrivals between January and March. According to preliminary data from the Belize Tourism Board, arrivals showed steady growth over the three-month period, increasing from 59,164 in January to 59,231 in February, and reaching 68,895 in March.
Community and Society
Caribbean Tourism Leaders Gather in San Pedro for Sustainability Talks
San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, hosted the 2026 Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development under the theme “Tourism in Full Color,” highlighting the integration of the blue, green, and orange economies into a sustainable development path. The conference, held from April 27th to 30th, welcomed more than 300 delegates from 29 countries.
Community and Society
Tour guide graduation honors San Pedro’s tourism pioneers
During the recent graduation of new tour guides in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, held on March 20th, a group of veteran tourism pioneers was recognized for their decades of contribution to the island’s tourism industry. The honored were acknowledged for their contributions to the development of San Pedro’s tourism product and for their continued dedication to the sector.
Travel & Tourism
San Pedro Concerns Highlighted in BTIA Meeting with Tourism Minister
On Monday, March 16th, the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) Board of Directors, representing each district in the country, along with its Executive Committee, attended an in-person meeting with the Honorable Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism. San Pedro Chapter Chairwoman Melanie Paz represented Ambergris Caye interests. The meeting focused on urgent tourism challenges across the country, with San Pedro and Caye Caulker highlighted as particularly vulnerable amid ongoing infrastructure development.
Community and Society
BTB partners with “Dr. of the Flats” to train San Pedro tour guides
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB), in collaboration with trainer Omar Arceo, known as “Dr. of the Flats,” launched the first adult fly-fishing training course for licensed tour guides in San Pedro, Belize. The six-day program ran from March 3rd to March 14th, culminating in an informal certificate presentation and dinner held at La Mulata Backyard Eatery on March 14th at 7:30PM. Ten participants completed rigorous training sessions to expand their professional skills.
Travel & Tourism
JetBlue Cancels Direct New York–Belize Flights
JetBlue Airways has announced the cancellation of its direct flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Belize City’s Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE). The service will end on May 21, 2026, affecting travelers seeking nonstop access between the U.S. East Coast and Belize.
Business & Economy
Tourism Minister Says Ambergris Caye’s Infrastructure Needs Improvement
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, is considered Belize’s premier tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The island, dubbed ‘La Isla Bonita,’ has even been called the country’s tourism mecca because of its popularity, beauty, and proximity to the second-largest barrier reef in the world. However, Minister of Tourism, Honourable Anthony Mahler, believes Ambergris Caye’s infrastructure requires significant improvements to continue meeting the demands of the tourism industry.
Travel & Tourism
Belize Tourism Records Steady Growth in 2025
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) released preliminary tourism figures on February 2nd, indicating continued growth in both overnight and cruise arrivals for 2025. According to the BTB, overnight arrivals are projected at 551,698 for 2025, reflecting a 0.8% increase over 2024’s total of 547,370 and a 9.6% rise compared to pre-pandemic 2019 figures of 503,166. Cruise tourism also showed strong performance, with passenger arrivals reaching 967,214, an 8.1% increase over 2024’s 894,405. However, cruise numbers remain 17.4% below the 2019 high of 1,170,558.
Travel & Tourism
Reef Haven Belize Opens as a New-All Inclusive Sanctuary on the Barrier Reef
A new sanctuary has arrived along the Belize Barrier Reef. Reef Haven Belize, a thoughtfully reimagined all-inclusive retreat, has officially opened its doors, welcoming travelers seeking a slower pace, deeper connection, and immersion in nature and culture.
Business & Economy
Businesses Note Slower Start to 2026 Tourism Season
Tour operators, restaurant owners, and hoteliers in San Pedro are reporting a noticeable slowdown in tourism during the first week of January 2026, following the traditionally busy Christmas and New Year’s holiday period. Local businesses describe quieter streets and lower-than-expected bookings during what is typically considered peak tourism season.
Travel & Tourism
BTIA Gathers Stakeholder Input for National Tourism Plan
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) hosted its first 2026 destination consultation meeting in San Pedro on January 9th. The sessions, led by BTIA President Efren Perez and Executive Director Linette Canto, marked the start of the association’s national engagement process ahead of its 2026 National Strategic Plan.