And how many of those elopers will be interested in building their getaway plans around the Belize International Music and Food Festival on July 30 and 31st?
And while the tourists who choose to travel to Belize for the trip are at the back end of the investment in the festival - BTB is fronting the 750 thousand dollars to put the show together.
And tonight, the Leader of the Opposition is demanding full disclosure of those public funds.
In an interview he demanded that the BTB release a breakdown of the budget:
Hon. Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"Because you have your understanding, I have my understanding. I think it's in the best interest of the public that the budget be release immediately as to how this money is being spent so that I don't speculate and you don't speculate, right. Thats the first thing. Let's see how the $750,000 is being spent, because it could be $750,000 on just artist fees and then there is more money to be spent on stage and set up and whatever other cost and expenses are coming. But again, whatever it is, $40,000 - $30,000 for artist with a budget of $750,000 is unacceptable."
Reporter
"How do you feel about the claims made by the BTB that this event is necessary during the slow season to inject some much-needed revenue into Belize, especially because the Costa Maya Festival seems to have been cancelled?"
Hon. Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"Some would argue that the Costa Maya Festival was cancelled because they wanted to make way for this festival, but again, I don't know. That is just some of the opinions that are being put forth. My thing is I am not saying no to these types of investments. What I am saying when you are spending the tax payer dollars then let's spend it on our tax payers, which are musicians. So if you are going to have a music festival, what better way to promote Belize, her tourism, her beauty, paradise than with all of the eclectic, diverse group of musicians and artisans and arts that we have."
