3 weeks ago, on the Garifuna Settlement Day Holiday, the Tourism industry celebrated the arrival of Alaska Airlines.
And now, the high season keeps getting higher because, Frontier Airlines has added Belize to its list of destinations.
On Saturday, their first 2 flights arrived in Belize and 7News was there for the grand ceremony. Daniel Ortiz reports:
For the ceremony of Frontier's Inaugural Flight, only the VIPs were allowed on the tarmac. There was supposed to be a ribbon-cutting right in front of the plane, but the majority of the press had to observe from a distance due to a last-minute restriction from the Airport authorities.
But the tourism ministry and the Government had plenty of other grand and friendly gestures to remind the VIPs of Frontier Airlines of the high value they place in this new partnership:
Anthony Hunt - Chairman, Aviation Development Committee
"This is happening because of Belize and the unique way that we do things in Belize. The airline, government, airport, associations like the BHA and BTIA, private sector unite and work hard to make it a reality, a true partnership, a partnership that I can assure everyone here in this room, is the envy of every single country in our region. They tell us that. So, Alberto from your sunflowers, to our warm sunshine, from your Rocky Mountains to our Maya Mountains, from Space Mountain - because remember, we have Orlando coming - to our World Heritage Barrier Reef."
Alfredo Gonzalez - International & Domestic Sales Manager, Frontier Airlines
"Today is a good day. Today, we celebrate more than a flight. We actually celebrate the connection of communities, beautiful and vibrant communities, like Orlando and Denver with Beautiful Belize. Frontier Airlines will not only connect Orlando and Denver with Belize but also with hundreds of destinations within the Frontier network. Orlando alone will have 81 flights. Denver will have over a hundred. So, this opportunity for Belizeans not just to see Orlando and Denver, but really, the rest of the country. There is no doubt that the last 2 years were challenging. It was difficult for everyone. Families were kept apart, friends hurting, our industry, and our economy. But no more, Frontier entered the market here with - I repeat - Low Fares Done Right, so that people who want to fly, need to fly, can afford to fly."
Hon. Anthony Mahler - Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations
"It's truly a great day for Belize. I know it's going to be a great partnership with Frontier. These things just don't happen by chance, as Alfredo said. It takes a lot of hard work, a lot of dedication, a lot of meetings - and these virtually - and so, the hard work of the airline development committee, along with the private sector in Belize, and with the friends that we have created at Frontier have allowed us to come to this day today."
Historically, air travel to Belize has been very costly. Competition has steadily been driving fares down, and now that Frontier Airlines is flying to Belize, travelers from both countries have another very attractive option from a budget carrier.
Thea Garcia-Ramirez - GM, Belize Airport Authority
"Frontier Airlines is a welcomed addition, not just for tourism and civil aviation, for their unique take on business. But it also aligns perfectly with the ideals of the Ministry of the Blue Economy. They boast of Low Fares Done Right and do provide their services at very affordable rates. However, the importance of just how they achieve this feat is what is really unique. They have incorporated innovative seat configurations and weight-saving tactics and baggage processes which have netted them 43% in fuel savings and make them the most fuel-efficient carrier in the US. They have been able to pass on those considerable savings to their passengers, while also being very kind to the environment. And so, we appreciate that very much in Belize."
Frontier's Alfredo Gonzalez says that their company shares other ideals and objectives with Belize and Belizeans.
Alfredo Gonzalez - International & Domestic Sales Manager, Frontier Airlines
"If you get a chance to see, right outside, we have one of our beautiful airplanes decorated with a beautiful flamingo. Now, it's not there just for decoration. It is there because we need to make people aware of these animals [being] in danger of extinction. I don't want my kids or their kids to only be able to see these beautiful animals on the tail of an airplane. They need to be in the wild, in their habitat, especially in countries as beautiful and with natural wonders that countries like Belize has to offer."
Hon. Anthony Mahler - Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations
"We have a resilient private sector. We have a resilient industry, and we in Government will do everything possible to ensure that we have many more days like today."
"We will work diligently. We will work frenetically, to ensure that we are successful here in Belize. Tourism represents 40% of GDP, and 40% of employment. So, as the Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, failing is not an option in 2022, no matter what COVID throws at us."
Frontier flights connecting Belize with Denver, Colorado, and Orlando Florida will arrive in Belize every Saturday. Officials tell us that the price will vary, but it is expected that a round trip ticket will cost somewhere in the vicinity of 150 dollars US and 170 dollars US.
