Go beyond the beach in Belize with Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler
Over the past 10 years, tourist arrivals to Belize have increased at a rapid pace. In 2019, overnight arrivals exceeded the 500,000 visitor mark for the first time. Although the growth rate was curtailed by the onset of the global pandemic, tourism is rebounding in the destination.
To find out more about what’s new and what awaits Canadians, Travel Courier caught up with Anthony Mahler, Belize’s Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations.
Our goals are to focus on the economic security and health of our people along with the health and safety of our visitors. With this in mind, we are looking at ways to encourage visitors to enjoy the sights of Belize with ease as we look at travel differently due to the pandemic.
We are working with our partners on the ground to promote their properties, restaurants, attractions in our target markets through various campaigns and marketing efforts that highlight our work on health and safety and really strengthen Belize’s natural message as a sustainable destination. Belize has been a leader in sustainability and eco-tourism long before this trend emerged and was amplified by the pandemic.
Belize is a country that proudly strives to protect and preserve its vast biodiversity and distinctive ecosystems. In 2021, a major deal was confirmed where Belize will be able to protect 30 percent of its ocean territory.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Belize Barrier Reef, is the prime example of protecting sustainability, with 500+ species of fish and nearly 300 kilometres of coral reef. The Central American destination strives to protect and sustain its biodiversity through natural reserves, such as Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, which is comprised of 300,000 acres of protected pine forest and home to the sublime Big Rock Falls.
Belize encourages responsible travel by asking visitors to explore all that the reef has to offer with respect (i.e. choosing reef-safe sunscreen, avoiding contact with the reef, etc.). The Responsible Tourism in the Belize Barrier Reef is a guide to assist visitors in making environmentally friendly decisions. From eating sustainable seafood to choosing eco-conscious accommodations, this guide offers ways to visit that lessens the impact on nature.
Belize reopened its cruise sector in June 2021 with strict health and safety protocols. Cruise tourism is a crucial component to Belize’s tourism recovery efforts, and the ability to provide a safe and secure experience for the passengers, crew and the destination is paramount. On Dec. 30, 2021, Belize received six cruise ships to its shores, marking it the busiest cruise day on the 2021 schedule of calls. Promising projections from cruise lines indicate that cruise operations should return to full capacity by the winter season of 2022.
Belize is often referred to as the “jewel” for being one of the last untouched destinations. Nestled within Central America, with the Caribbean Sea to its east, Belize has seven regions packed with unique and diverse experiences for the Curious traveller. Belizeans are proud of their home and are passionate about preserving the eight distinct cultures and maintaining the country’s natural beauty.
Your clients should book Belize because it is unspoiled – there’s many attractive properties from luxury resorts to smaller boutique hotels, vacation rentals, live-aboard boats, thatched huts over water, condos and even campgrounds. There’s various itineraries you can think of: off-the-beaten path, popular dives, things to do for families, honeymooners, the list can go on.
We aim to support our travel advisors to become experts in Belize by enrolling in the Belize Specialist Program. It’s a comprehensive training program that is fun and feels very interactive.
Is there any news to share in terms of hotels or attractions in the pipeline?
Between the end of 2021 and 2025, the destination will welcome seven new and notable properties, and has unveiled one revamped all-inclusive rainforest retreat. We are also working on strengthening our community-based tourism offerings to ensure as a destination we are preserving and promoting our indigenous communities.
Belize is also working to improve road access to one of the crown jewels of the Mayan world, the Caracol archaeological site (a potential candidate for UNESCO designation). The area in which it’s located, a pristine protected habitat, is considered the new mecca for adventure, culture and eco-based tourism in Belize.
How important is the Canadian market and what’s being done to grow it?
The Canadian market is a key element to the recovery of tourism to Belize. We’ve expanded our marketing program and are working closely with Canadian travel agents, operators, airlines and media to build the Belize messaging and get Canadians to see our beautiful home. I’m pleased to share that Canadians can book non-stop seasonal (November to April) flights from Toronto to Belize City, with non-stop flights from Calgary anticipated to return.
The Tourism Gold Standard Program (TGSP) was developed to bring tourism back to the country in a way that would keep locals, vendors and visitors safe. The TGSP consists of tourism companies, from hotels, to tour operators, to restaurants, who comply with safe and updated protocols and behaviours, while having minimal impact on visitor experience. Those in the program receive a Golden Standard seal of recognition.
While restrictions and protocols in Belize have been eased, we plan to keep this program going. We know that the health and safety of our tourism workers and our guests will remain our top priority. Our program is consistently re-evaluated to ensure the most up-to-date information is guiding our decision making, ensuring our partners are well-informed.
What are some of your personal favourite things to see, do, eat or experience?
It’s hard to nail down just a few, but here are my personal recommendations:
I always recommend a really cool experience at ATM Cave, Actun Tunichil Muknal in Maya, it translates to “Cave of the Stone Sepulcher.” It is considered a sacred site located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve in Western Belize. To get there, you’ll hike in the jungle, and you’ll need to swim once entering the cave, too. The reward is outstanding: you’ll see where Mayan rituals took place, with a crystallized skeleton for proof.
Visiting Belize during Lobsterfest is a testament to our culture: it kicks off our summer with events in Placencia, San Pedro and Caye Caulker. You get to meet local vendors and chefs and eat the most delicious lobster you can imagine. The people celebrate with food, drink, music and weeks-long festivities. This year it takes place from June 30 through July 17. It’s a delicious way to enjoy Belize.
Belize offers so much, and you’ll want to kick back and relax. Caye Caulker is heavenly – it’s not as busy as other islands like Ambergris Caye – so if you want a slower, more relaxed vibe, sit by the tranquil waters with a Belikin in hand and let time melt away.
Belize is the only officially English-speaking in Central America, with the most commonly spoken language being the dialect of Kriol. Belize also has the smallest population density in the region with 35 people per square mile or 14 people per square kilometer. Of its population of 321,115 you will find Maya, the world’s first civilization, Mestizo, Kriol, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab and Chinese.
It’s home to the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s incredible for diving and checking out the beautiful marine life – you must see the Great Blue Hole in your lifetime. Plus, the coast has over 900 atolls.
Nothing beats the incredible wildlife and pristine nature found in Belize. Belizeans are proud to say that this is more than just our home but home to more than over 500 species of bird, including the illusive toucan, over 500 species of tropical fish, monkeys, jaguars and so much more. In fact, in Belize you will find the only jaguar sanctuary in the world.
Belize is thrilled to welcome visitors after a nearly two-year hiatus. We are ready for you when you are ready to visit.
