But the sargassum apparently isn't stopping tourists from coming to Belize. Still, the ongoing conflict in Iran and the rise in Jet fuel prices just might.
Perez says eventually all countries will see an effect in their visitor numbers, but, as of now, Belize's numbers are still steady and meeting projections:
Efren Perez, President, BTIA
"At this point we are not being impacted. We continue to see the numbers at the airport as were projected. We are not exceeding numbers but there are constant numbers that we have made significant efforts during the course of last year and over the years. Hon Anthony Mahler has been working diligently in getting those airlines into Belize so that we can have much more market access but certainly the issues that are happening in the Middle East will have a global impact. Belize will not be shielded away from it. We have not seen the declines as yet but certainly it is something that as we are looking at it we definitely have to strategize methods in terms of how we will continue to encourage travelers to visit our jewel. Certainly I think that is an effort that all the countries are doing because at some point or the other they will be impacted at that point. But so far I can tell you we have not seen any decreases in any numbers so far."