Belize: Natural Wonders That Are Simply Unbelievable
Ian Stalker
Anthony Mahler is willing to go the caveman route in order to promote a country he says should be synonymous with such adventurous experiences as subterranean exploration.
Mahler, Belize’s tourism minister, likes to have large images of Belize natural attractions behind him when doing work-related Zoom conferences.
Mahler was initially expected to have Belize’s flag as a backdrop for the conferences but decided having pictures that tell of the likes of some of the country’s massive caves that tourists can explore and the Blue Hole – an offshore marine sinkhole that’s famed in diving circles – would be more appropriate.
“I want to use every opportunity to showcase my country,” he says of the dramatic natural images he displays.
Mahler says those who vacation in the Central American country can easily experience the country’s natural side, with Belize having protected 40% of its territory from development.
Tourism officials note Belize is about the size of Jamaica, but only has about an eighth of Jamaica’s population, ensuring wilderness expanses.
Belize landscapes include rainforest home to numerous exotic creatures, among them toucans, the country’s national bird and frequently used in tourism promotions.
Rikki Hepburn
Mahler said Belize’s diverse population includes descendants of some of those who were part of the Maya civilization, which built imposing structures throughout Belize and bordering countries over a 1,000 years ago, with tourists able to visit excavated archeological sites. Among Maya sites in Belize is sprawling Caracol, home to stelae and massive stone structures.
The country is also home to a sanctuary created specifically for jaguars, believed to be the only such sanctuary anywhere.
Mahler says Belize is committed to safeguarding its natural side. “We don’t want to compromise the integrity of our environment.”
Belize does offer “fly-and-flop” vacations for beach enthusiasts, with one option being Ambergris Caye, reportedly the island that inspired the Madonna song La Isla Bonita.
But Mahler says authorities are particularly proud of Belize’s natural side and the ecotourism and adventure opportunities it presents. Large cave systems can be explored on guided trips and in some cases underground rivers allow tourists to go on subterranean tubing expeditions.
Divers in turn can explore the lengthy Belize Barrier Reef – which has UNESCO World Heritage Site status – found off Belize’s coast.
Ocean enthusiasts can also opt for Shark Ray Alley, snorkelling alongside stingrays, nurse sharks and turtles during their time there.
Mahler said Belize’s diverse population includes descendants of some of those who were part of the Maya civilization, which built imposing structures throughout Belize and bordering countries over a 1,000 years ago, with tourists able to visit excavated archeological sites. Among Maya sites in Belize is sprawling Caracol, home to stelae and massive stone structures.
Belize is a member of the Mundo Maya, a joint project between different countries that better enables tourists to visit Maya ruins in Belize, parts of Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.
Belize’s Cacao Trail in turn will appeal to those interested in chocolate.
Meanwhile, Mahler praises his country’s handling of COVID-19, saying it resulted in a “very low” number of cases there. Belize’s response has earned it the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp.
Belize’s tourism trade is struggling with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, but Mahler thinks a rebound is on the horizon.
“I believe that at the end of this year we should see the numbers (of visitors) go up significantly,” he told Travel Courier.
American Airlines and United Airlines are among airlines that have restarted Belize service.
