President Extends Condolences on the Passing of Sarita Tillett
Dear BTIA Members: It is with great sadness that we note the death of Sarita Tillett, co-founder of S&L Tours. Sarita and her husband Lascelle were hard working pioneers of our industry at a time when tourism was virtually unknown in Belize. Sarita's attitude was always upbeat no matter what the circumstances. The qualities she exhibited: love of nature, love of country and the authentic way in which she related to visitors and locals alike made her the perfect ambassador for
A Message From our President- BTIA Newsletter #7
Dear BTIA Members, Instead of the usual President’s letter I would like to share the words of a stalwart of the tourism industry. Many of you know Tony Rath or at least know his work through his company, Naturalight. Over the last forty years few people have done more to promote the nation’s tourism and conservation of Belize’s natural resources than Tony. In the short essay below—originally posted on Facebook-- he turns his attention to an issue that dwarfs all others
A Message From our President- BTIA Newsletter #6
Dear BTIA Members, It is now a year and five months since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in Belize. In the period beginning March 2020 we in the tourism industry have experienced a devastating period of lockdown, complete border closure, airport reopening, painfully slow initial recovery followed by a much more rapid recovery as vaccinations were introduced in the USA and pent up demand for travel took hold with a vengeance in late May and summer. At the same time internally
BTIA Congratulates Diamond Sponsor, Atlantic Bank, on 50 Years in Belize!
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) congratulates one of our diamond sponsors, Atlantic Bank, on their 50th Anniversary in Belize. Congratulations on this occasion, and here’s to many more successful years with you. Cheers!
A Message From our President- BTIA Newsletter #5
Dear BTIA Members, There’s an old saying that “the best time to plant a tree is yesterday”. Unfortunately, the same adage applies to vaccination for Covid-19 as it increasingly appears that in the race against the virus we are several months late and thousands of arms short. For a while, it looked like following a deadly first wave we had brought things under control. The Ministry of Health and Wellness somehow managed to acquire all the vaccines the country needed. The Ministry
Belize off to a Great Cruise Restart
Here is a quick update from the cruise sector! After welcoming its first cruise ship for the first time after several months, Belize is off to a great cruise restart. Last week’s first cruises to set sail, returned to the US without a single case or suspected case of Covid-19 in guests or crew. Yesterday, July 14, 2021, was the second port call from Carnival Vista, sailing out of Galveston. Most of the cruise tours are currently operating, and 95% of the guests are
A Message from our President- BTIA Newsletter #4
Dear BTIA Member: While it is too early to pop the Champagne corks I am happy (ecstatic would be a better word) to report that after a year of disaster and a few months of cautious optimism it is safe to say that Belizean tourism is strongly rebounding. Here’s the evidence: Americans are flying again. Thanks to a successful vaccination campaign, U.S. travelers are heading to airports in such record numbers that the TSA is facing a shortage of agents. Arrivals
Traveller Entry Requirements for Belize
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has issued the most recent update on traveler entry requirements for Belize. In this update, dated May 11, 2021, the removal of the requirement for the Belize Travel Health app prior to arrival in Belize has been announced. For more information kindly visit the Belize Tourism Board’s website at Belize COVID-19 Update | BTB (belizetourismboard.org)