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Tonight we'll take you inside the new Artisan Alley located in the Fort George Area, sitting right across from the Fort Street Tourism Village.
The refurbished and refitted alley is one more effort to get the artisans closer to the action - while keeping them away from the FSTV gates.
Jomarie Lanza was there for the ribbon cutting and here's her report:
Artisans in the Fort George Artisan Alley - once subjected to promoting and selling their products in the most dilapidated environment - will suffer no more. The tourism hub, teeming with visitors from all walks of life, received a face lift thanks to the Belize Tourism board and the City Council. Today an inauguration ceremony was held to highlight these new changes.
Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City
"Previously the arts and craft market faced challenges with leaking roofs, unsecured vending booths and a lack of other essential amenities Today we are witnessing a transformation, a testament to the success of Joint efforts. The redesigned and expanded infrastructure, the enhanced security with lighting and cameras, protected covering for stalls, new bathrooms and a tourism information center all contribute to creating a welcoming and secure environment for both visitors and vendors alike. This project is a vital component of the sustainable tourism project aiming to be a significant income earner for the 18 local artisans housed in this area here today."
The initiative to Rehabilitate the Fort George Tourism Zone, was undertaken with the view to not only improve the guest experience and promote economic empowerment of small business owners, but also preserve its timeless history within the area.
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism
"You are talking about decades for this area being in tourism. Raddison fort George has been there for decades I think from the 50s and so it has history. The area has history and we believe that this could create and experience for our guests coming to Belize on cruise ships or staying in the area at one of the hotels in this zone."
Reporter: "I noticed you were speaking to some of the vendors as well what did they express to you to see how you guys renovated and all the changes you are making?"
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism
"Well most of them were just saying thanks this has been needed for a long time and that they are grateful for what we have done and they look forward to working with us some more in improving the area."
The Minister says that they aren't stopping there either, there are much more improvements to come within the following months.
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism "So we started many months ago with the painting of the fence in collaboration with the FSDV and that came out quite nicely. We are doing this project right now and we have a concept for the seafront here again we have to go through consultation with the area rep and the people in the area. We have plans to do the seawall by the lighthouse and to improve that area we will start paving properly because the front street there is filled with potholes, we will do that starting Monday in collaboration with the city council but all these things are investment in people."
