The Good News Keeps Coming For Belize
Enhanced air service, increased tourism arrivals, better infrastructure and continual improvement add up sunny days and a rosy future.
A recent Travel Pulse feature article agrees with our earlier post this week that Belize is on an upward trajectory. The article. “Belize is Booming And Has The Numbers To Prove It” (October 14, 2014 ) cites the same BTB tourist arrival figures we quoted, as well as Caribbean Tourism Organization statistics to highlight their view that, yes, Belize is booming.
Who would have thought, just over 30 years ago when Belize achieved independence and had an economy dependent on agriculture that the little country would become one of the world’s premier travel destinations while remaining so strongly committed towards environmental sustainability and responsible travel?
Picture The Lodge at Chaa Creek circa 1981 with just a couple of hand built, thatched-roofed, one room cottages – huts, actually – with the owners cooking, cleaning, tending bar and still working a farm during the day. A far cry from today’s rustic luxe eco resort with a range of accommodation, an excellent restaurant and lounge, Gayot’s Guide recommended spa, butterfly farm, Natural History Centre and so much more. Goes to show what vision and hard work will accomplish…
And Chaa Creek is just one example of what’s been true for Belize as a whole. We remember when Ambergris Caye hosted more fishermen than tourists, and getting to Placencia from Cayo involved a couple of days travel and a boat ride from Mango Creek – if you were lucky enough to catch one.
You’ve come a long way, baby.
We also remember the days, not so long ago (hey, we’re not that old) when there were two flights a week to Belize from New Orleans and then Miami. That sure has changed.
Yes, other interesting news in the Travel Pulse piece was BTB’s announcement of enhanced air service to Belize from various hubs in the USA. Delta Airlines has increased its Atlanta to Belize service from eight to 12 weekly flights, representing an increase of 596 additional seats per week. Delta will also resume weekly non-stop flights between Los Angeles and Belize on Nov. 7, 2014, providing an additional 160 seats per week.
Not to be outdone, United Airlines will add Chicago to its roster, with weekly Chicago-to-Belize flights in December 2014 through to May 2015, augmenting its current service to Belize from Houston and Newark.
And, of course, Tropic Air’s continual increase in local air services within Belize, including flights from the Maya Flats airstrip near Chaa Creek to Belize City and San Pedro Ambergris Caye means that just as it becomes easier to get to Belize, it’s also becoming more convenient to get around once you’re here.
The pace of change is pretty dizzying, but what’s really impressive is that all of this is happening within a framework of sustainability and ensuring that the tourism industry enhances Belize’s stunningly beautiful natural assets while contributing to a healthy, prosperous and happy society. This is a delicate balancing act, but one that both the private and public sectors are committed to.
And with more and more people arriving each year, it’s clear that it’s working.
Onwards and upwards Belize!