And while Belize's tourism leaders are doing all they can to court those air carriers, one of the disincentives is the airport fees. If you add the PACT Fee - those fees are close to 70 US dollars, which is above the regional average.
The panelists discussed that yesterday:
Evan Tillett, Director of Tourism
"I know the fees are high but at the end of the day we still have to maintain the ability to bring new flight routes. In fact in 2025 we brought Spirit and after Spirit we will bring a new flight out of Montreal via air Canada. So that speaks that even though those fees are high that the opportunities still exist. It may be, I can say, it makes the job a little more difficult but it allows us to still be competitive to get those flight routes into Belize."
Efren Perez, President - BTIA
"This is a conversation Jules that I have had with both CEO and minister with regards to having much greater dialogue with the airport concessions not only based on there renovations that are being done, but there is a lot of work that needs to be done at the airport as our primary airport. Right now we are looking at expanding into regional markets, the European markets, South American markets. it is important that we have that entry point as feasible and effective as possible for us to be able to manage these flights. Obviously a discussion needs to happen with regards to the fees that are being charged at the airport and all of that needs to be worked on. I think it is in the best interest of the private sector that, that is worked on for us to be able to attract these carriers for us to be able to continue the work we are doing regionally."
