Tourism – it makes more money for Belize than any other export. That explains why this morning 400 people – including ambassadors, government ministers, business leaders, and the Prime Minister Dean Barrow were at the Biltmore Hotel for Belize Tourism Board’s 10th Annual Industry Presentation. It was a review of the year - that was and a preview of the year ahead. And this year there could be bad news for Belize’s cash crop. Here’s why.
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
“Tourism is the most important star to which we hit our wagon.”
And that’s because Prime Minister Dean Barrow says tourism is bringing in serious money.
Hon. Dean Barrow,
“I will say ladies and gentlemen that in Belize the industry is directly responsible for just around 25% of our GDP. According to the Central Bank, tourism last year accounted for $590 million in revenues. This figure was up $90 million over the previous year despite the effects of hurricanes Dean and Felix on the industry generally and the cruise sector in particular. And tourism is and has been for some time the number one foreign exchange earner. In other words ladies and gentlemen, tourism is for Belize very serious business indeed.”
Serious business and big money but as he addressed a packed room of tourism industry stakeholders, who gave him a thunderous standing ovation, Prime Minister Dean Barrow warned that those fortunes could change.
Hon. Dean Barrow,
“Economic conditions in the primary market, world resource shortages, and the rising cost of fuel all combine to suggest the possibility of a serious shortfall in visitors to Belize. Couple this with the fragility of the planet in the face of climate change and the ever more urgent need for environmental sustainability and it is clear that we have constantly to review our model in Belize to take account of these realities.”
And as concerned as they are about the economic downturn in America, BTB’s Director Tracy Panton says they don’t expect any significant decrease in tourist arrivals or spending.
Tracy Panton, Director of Tourism
“It is a very important consideration for Belize. As you know Keith North America represents 70% of our arrivals to the country. The only positive
end is that Belize is very accessible, it is a short haul destination to the United States and our target market is really the high end traveller. And so I think we will be able to mitigate the downturn.”
Keith Swift,
Do you expect less tourists or tourists spending less?
Tracy Panton,
“No I think certainly the demographics of the people we attract to Belize have two incomes coming in, most of them, and like I said it is a short haul destination.”
Part of BTB’s plan for the next year is expanding its market to our neighbour in the north - to Cancun.
Tracy Panton,
“The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation is working on an air service agreement with the Mexican authorities to open up the air space between Cancun and Belize. A lot of Europeans fly into Cancun, a lot of North Americans fly into Cancun and we are hoping to have a multi-destination program with Cancun and Belize.”
Keith Swift,
Speaking of the Europeans the airport is finished, it is expanded, when are the planes going to come?
Tracy Panton,
“That is a good question Keith. It is not an overnight process. The work has begun in terms of us making our pitch to the airlines, in terms of presenting our business strategy, and hopefully we will be able to accelerate that program.”
More short term is Tourism Minister Junior Heredia’s 100 day outlook.
Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation
“The Ministry of Tourism and the BTB will spearhead the development of a comprehensive national tourism master plan through funding from the IDB,
stimulate new airline service from Canada, Europe, and the United States, secure additional support to enhance a comprehensive destination marketing program.
Objective two is to enhance the visitor’s experience by developing an improved tourism product. To address objective two the Ministry of Tourism and the BTB will seek the support of our counterparts in the public sector to upgrade road infrastructure to our main destinations including Placencia, downtown Belize City, and major archaeological parks.
Objective three, to involve communities in the development of the tourism industry. Objective four, to build an inclusive industry. To address objective four the Ministry of Tourism and the Belize Tourism Board will reconstitute the Belize National Tourism Council. And finally objective five to ensure environmental sustainability.”
Environment sustainability which Prime Minister Barrow says the industry will have to juggle with economic viability.
Hon. Dean Barrow,
“Belize is blessed with all the natural ingredients to participate fully, competitively, successfully in this global industry. Our abundant raw materials, the variety of our attractions, the warmth of our people make us a cinch for the continued development of a viable product.
As we take stock of where we are now, it is good to record that the industry has so far maintained sustained, steady growth. My government, needless to say, intends to support you to partner with you all the way. In our manifesto we have pledged to create an additional 5,000 jobs in tourism. This means that it is axiomatic that we will put in place the enabling environment that will expand the industry.”
At this morning’s presentation – the BTB handed a check for $25,000 to the Belize Tourism Industry Association towards BETEX - the Belize Tourism Expo scheduled for July. Some key announcements made at today’s presentation which weren’t mentioned in the story are as follows: first the Prime Minister announced that the tender documents for paving of the Placencia Road would be available as of one this afternoon. He says a contract should be signed by the end of the month.
More consequentially, Barrow said government is close to concluding negotiations with the Inter-American Development Bank for a $30 million loan facility to develop a national tourism plan. Those negotiations should conclude by the end of the year.
7NEWS produced for broadcast by News Director Jules Vasquez
Edited and Prepared for the internet by Keith Swift
