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.
Travel & Tourism
New Air Canada Route Opens Same-Day European Connections to Belize
Belize City welcomed the first Air Canada flight arriving directly from Montreal, Quebec, on December 8, 2025. This milestone marks the first direct air link between Montreal and Belize, further expanding the country’s international air connectivity. With this new route, travelers from Montreal and beyond now enjoy same-day connections to Belize and 23 major European cities, including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Rome, Lisbon, and Barcelona.
Travel
Spirit Airlines inaugurates non-stop flight from Fort Lauderdale to Belize
On Friday, November 21st, Belize welcomed Spirit Airlines’ first direct flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. When the aircraft landed at the Philip Goldson International Airport, it was greeted by officials from the Ministry of Tourism and the United States Embassy, along with traditional drumming, refreshments, and sweet Belizean treats for the arriving passengers. The inaugural event marked an important new chapter in the country’s air travel connectivity.