The charm of San Ignacio and Santa Elena towns have propelled them to pride of place as one of Belize's top tourist destinations. Their thick jungles, pristine rivers, and untouched cave systems have overnight guests flocking west. But the start of the Macal River is usually only enjoyed by residents looking to relax. However, the Belize Tourism Board and the Town Council have big plans to introduce a river park that will hopefully increase tourism numbers in town. Courtney Menzies was at the groundbreaking ceremony today and has this story.
The Twin Towns' Macal River has always been a place of peace and relaxation for Cayo residents. But soon, the riverbanks will be seeing an upgrade that will also invite more tourists to the area, while providing river-goers with more activities to enjoy.
It's a double project of sorts - San Ignacio will see a boardwalk near the low lying bridge, while over in Santa Elena, a river park is planning at the foot of the Hawkesworth Bridge.
And the towns' Councillor for Economic Development, and the PUP Mayoral Candidate, explained that this has been a dream of the residents for decades, and he believes it will take them to the top of the tourism destination list.
Matthew Preston, PUP Mayoral Candidate
"This development is something very much needed. After growing up in San Ignacio, Santa Elena all my life, used to swim in this very riverbank. This is going to bring a lot of economic prosperity. It will also bring a lot of business opportunities for the local investors. I already imagine night kayaking, people can do night fishing, we can do night markets and other activities, especially on Santa Elena side too. Usually everything is done in San Ignacio, and the residents of Santa Elena have always been clamoring for more activities on this side, so with this development here, this is definitely going to bring San Ignacio and Santa Elena back on track. We are now #2 I believe when it comes to tourist destination, this should bring ups back to #1, and that's our goal, to bring San Ignacio, Santa Elena to #1 in tourism."
And the Belize Tourism Board is also rooting for Cayo - this project is being funded by them, and today the Minister explained why they feel the need to invest in infrastructure.
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism
"They came to us with a plan, when it got to that point where we felt comfortable investing in it, we decided to partner with the area rep, honorable Alex Balona, and other members, to ensure that this project comes through."
"Infrastructure is important and the Cayo always ranks the top three in tourist arrivals an so the upliftment projects are just a part of our infrastructure upliftment plan for the country. we have programs for Corozal, Orange Walk, because we believe we could create a corridor in the north, going to the Sarteneja area, we have projects in Sarteneja, we have projects in PG, other parts of the Toledo District, Placencia Peninsula, so a lot of exciting things are happening at this time."
And while at this double inauguration/groundbreaking there were PUP ministers, area reps, councillors, and campaigners, the UDP mayor was notably absent. According to Preston, that's been a trend over the last few months.
Matthew Preston, PUP Mayoral Candidate
"This is something that's been in the pipeline since I was a kid over 20 years ago and as Honorable Landy Habet mentioned, he envisioned this when he was mayor and back then tourism wasn't that big, resources and finance. I know we've been having meetings for the past year, year and a half, and my portfolio is economic development. For the past six months, the mayor has not shown up to any meetings when it comes to the council so I can't speak on his behalf."
But while he says that this project isn't red or blue, he added that he does have other big plans for the Macal River.
Matthew Preston, PUP Mayoral Candidate
"My team and I, we're committed to bringing more activities and bringing those old traditional that they used to have on the riverside and also all the old time games and some canoeing activities because after La Ruta Maya, we only see that when it starts. After that, there's no event, so we want to have some canoeing events in San Ignacio and Santa Elena."
