AGP Executive Report

Tourism Training Boost: The Belize Tourism Board’s Hospitality Sprint Series hit Punta Gorda, with 17 hospitality professionals earning AHLEI Guest Service Gold certification (100% pass rate), and more sessions planned for Placencia and Orange Walk. Top Hotel Spotlight: Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort in Hopkins was named #1 hotel in Central America and #15 in the world in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best.” Travel Access & Cross-Border Links: BermudAir added new seasonal winter flights from Boston to Belize (nonstop twice weekly), plus Turks and Caicos and Anguilla—good news for visitor arrivals. Regional Tourism Promotion: Belize promoted its tourism offerings at Mexico’s Mundo Maya K’íiwik Tourism Fair in Mérida, aiming to grow international partnerships. Infrastructure for Visitors: A $40M MCC grant is set to strengthen electricity generation and distribution on San Pedro as demand rises. Safety & Weather Watch: The Hydrology Unit warned flash-flood risk remains, with rainfall impacts shifting toward Orange Walk and Corozal. Local Life Costs: A “Doctor Love” column highlights locals in San Pedro feeling priced out as new developments target foreigners and investors.

PADI Training Boost: Two Belize National Coast Guard officers, Romario Cus and Ardele Avila, completed the PADI Instructor Development Course and passed the PADI Instructor Exam—raising local dive training capacity for visitors and operators. Tourism Skills Upgrade: The Belize Tourism Board’s Hospitality Sprint Series hit Punta Gorda, with 17 hospitality professionals earning AHLEI Guest Service Gold certification (100% pass rate), continuing the push for better guest experiences nationwide. Top Stay Recognition: Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort in Hopkins was named #1 Hotel in Central America and #15 in the world in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best awards. Flight Access for Belize: BermudAir announced new seasonal nonstop flights from Boston to Belize (twice weekly) for winter 2026/27, adding more airlift for leisure travelers. Flood Watch: The National Hydrology Service warned flash-flood risk remains, with heavy rain impacts shifting attention toward Orange Walk and Corozal in the days ahead. Local Tourism Promotion: Belize promoted its Maya tourism offerings at Mexico’s Mundo Maya K’íiwik Tourism Fair in Mérida, aiming to grow international partnerships and visitor interest. San Pedro Safety: Police are investigating a fatal late-night motorcycle crash on Pescador Drive that killed a 33-year-old man and injured another. Community Housing Pressure (Commentary): A “Doctor Love” letter highlights locals in San Pedro feeling priced out by rising land and development costs.

Coral & Climate: Woods Hole scientists are scouting “super reefs” that could better survive extreme heat as global bleaching worsens, a reminder that Belize’s reef health is tied to tourism and coastal protection. Air Access: BermudAir adds new seasonal winter flights from Boston to Belize (twice weekly), plus service to Turks & Caicos and Anguilla, boosting visitor reach from the U.S. Northeast. San Pedro Power Boost: A US$40M MCC grant is set to strengthen electricity generation and distribution on Ambergris Caye as demand rises. Flood Watch: The National Hydrology Service warns flash flooding risk remains, with heavy rain impacts shifting toward Orange Walk and Corozal. Tourism Training & Service: Belize Tourism Board’s Hospitality Sprint Series hits Punta Gorda, with 17 workers earning AHLEI Guest Service Gold certification. Visitor Growth Push: Belize promotes tourism at Mexico’s Mundo Maya fair, and a Regional Visitor Card for southeastern Mexico residents is set to launch soon. Road Safety: Fatal crashes on San Pedro’s Pescador Drive and the George Price Highway are under investigation. Hotel Spotlight: Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort ranks #1 in Central America and #15 worldwide in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice awards.

New Air Links: BermudAir says it’s adding new seasonal flights from Boston’s Logan to Belize (twice weekly in winter 2026/27), plus more Caribbean and Central America routes—good news for visitor arrivals. Tourism Training: The Belize Tourism Board’s Hospitality Sprint Series continues in Punta Gorda, where 17 hospitality workers earned AHLEI Guest Service Gold certification with a 100% pass rate, with more trainings planned for Placencia and Orange Walk. Flood Watch: Belize’s Hydrology Unit warns flash flooding risk remains, with heavy rain impacts shifting toward Orange Walk and Corozal in the coming days. San Pedro Power Boost: A US$40M MCC grant is set to strengthen electricity generation and distribution on Ambergris Caye as demand rises. Regional Visitor Card: Belize is moving toward launching a Regional Visitor Card for residents of southeastern Mexico, aiming to make cross-border visits easier. Road Safety: Police report a fatal late-night motorcycle crash in San Pedro after a collision involving a golf cart. Belize in Mexico: Belize promoted tourism at the Mundo Maya K’íiwik Tourism Fair in Mérida, building ties with wholesalers and travel buyers. Hotel Spotlight: Turtle Inn, A Coppola Hideaway, gets featured in a travel write-up highlighting Belize’s reef access and jungle-to-beach stays. Business & Tourism: BELTRAIDE prepares its 2026 National MSME Roadshow across 10 locations, supporting local entrepreneurs that feed into tourism services. Aviation Governance: PM Briceño attended a COCESNA board meeting in Madrid, discussing radar and aeronautical systems integration. Recognition for Belizean Products: Copalli Rum is named among the Top 100 Spirits to Stock in the London Spirits Competition.

Aviation & Connectivity: Belize’s PM Briceño attended a COCESNA Board meeting in Madrid, pushing forward radar and aeronautical systems integration—good news for smoother regional air navigation. Tourism Skills Boost: The Belize Tourism Board’s Hospitality Sprint Series hit Punta Gorda, with 17 workers earning AHLEI Guest Service Gold certification (100% pass rate), and more trainings lined up for Placencia and Orange Walk. Top-Spot Hotel Spotlight: Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort in Hopkins was named #1 in Central America and #15 worldwide in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best. Power for Visitors: A $40M MCC grant is set to strengthen electricity generation and distribution on San Pedro as demand keeps climbing. Travel Access for Mexicans: Belize is set to launch a Regional Visitor Card for residents of southeastern Mexico, aiming to make cross-border visits easier. Safety & Weather Watch: Police reported a fatal late-night motorcycle crash in San Pedro, while the Hydrology Unit warned flash-flood threats may shift toward Orange Walk and Corozal. Business & Growth: BELTRAIDE announced a 2026 MSME Roadshow starting June 25, bringing training and support to communities nationwide.

Top Tourism Win: Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort in Hopkins has been named #1 Hotel in Central America and #15 in the world in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best,” a major boost for Belize’s luxury-adventure brand. Flood Watch: Belize’s Hydrology Unit says the flash-flood threat remains, with heavy rain shifting attention toward Orange Walk and Corozal in the days ahead. Tourism Promotion Abroad: Belize showcased its tourism offerings at Mexico’s Mundo Maya K’íiwik Tourism Fair in Mérida, pushing Maya culture and new partnerships with international buyers and influencers. Regional Access for Visitors: Belize is set to launch a Regional Visitor Card for residents of southeastern Mexico, aiming to make cross-border travel easier and support tourism and trade ties. Power for San Pedro Growth: A US$40M MCC grant is set to strengthen electricity generation and distribution on Ambergris Caye as demand rises—key for residents and the tourism economy. Transport Upgrade: National Bus Company demonstrated new telematics tech to monitor buses and improve service, with plans to expand and replace older units. Safety & Emergencies: Coast Guard rescued seven people near San Pedro after a vessel began taking on water. Road Tragedies: A motorcyclist died after crashing into a horse-drawn buggy and an oncoming SUV; a separate fatal crash killed a Belmopan businessman, Jii Lung Wu.

US Embassy & Entrepreneurs: The U.S. State Department hosted the Young Leaders of the Americas forum in Belize, bringing together alumni entrepreneurs from across the Caribbean for strategy talks and networking. Domestic Violence Protections: Select Senior Justices of the Peace began specialized training at ITVET in Belize City to issue emergency interim protection orders under the 2025 Act. Tourism Spotlight: Turtle Inn, a Coppola Hideaway, is profiled for its “barefoot luxury” on Placencia’s coast and easy access to the Belize Barrier Reef. Visa Headline for Tourism Industry: The newly elected CHTA president, Gregor Nassief, faced a U.S. visa denial, raising questions about how it could affect regional hotel and tourism operations. Belize Connectivity & Growth: BEL received a US$40M MCC grant for San Pedro expansion, while the National Bus Company showcased telematics to modernize routes and monitoring. Visitor Access Plan: Belize is set to launch a Regional Visitor Card for residents of Mexico’s southeastern states, aiming to make cross-border visits easier. Local Business Support: BELTRAIDE’s 2026 National MSME Roadshow kicks off June 25 across multiple towns, offering training, formalization help, and financing links for entrepreneurs. Safety & Rescue: Police reported two fatal road crashes, and the Coast Guard rescued seven people near San Pedro after a vessel began taking on water. Weather Watch: Opposition backed drought-related disaster funding for farmers, stressing transparency and oversight.

Tourism & Infrastructure: Belize Electricity Limited is set to receive a US$40M Millennium Challenge Corporation grant to expand and strengthen power generation and distribution on San Pedro, helping the island keep up with 24/7 demand as growth pushes the submarine cable near capacity. Cross-Border Travel: Belize is moving toward launching a Regional Visitor Card for residents of Mexico’s southeastern states (Quintana Roo, Yucatán, Campeche, Tabasco and Chiapas), aiming to make visits easier and boost tourism and people-to-people ties. Getting Around: The National Bus Company showcased new telematics technology for its fleet, including monitoring bus location, speed, and onboard conditions from a control room, as it plans to add more buses and modernize service. Business Support: BELTRAIDE announced a 2026 National MSME Roadshow starting June 25 in San Ignacio and Santa Elena, with stops across Belize to offer training, formalization, financing links, and Buy Belizean expos. Travel Policy Watch: Simon Calder highlights how online middlemen can inflate the cost of travel permits, warning Belize travelers to watch for costly “official-looking” booking sites. Safety on the Roads: Two separate fatal crashes were reported this week—one involving a motorcycle hitting a horse-drawn buggy and another involving a flipped SUV near Mile 21 on the George Price Highway.

New Air Links for Winter 2027: Southwest Airlines opened bookings for its February 2027 schedule, adding six new warm-weather routes and bringing back 28 seasonal services—highlighting first-time links like Nashville to Liberia, Costa Rica and Columbus to San Juan, Puerto Rico, boosting travel options for Central America and the Caribbean. Belize Regional Unity Push: Belize’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Osmond Martinez, urged deeper Caribbean solidarity at the Caribbean Development Bank meeting in The Bahamas as Belize prepares to host the 2027 annual meeting. Belize City Road Safety: A motorcyclist died after rear-ending a horse-drawn buggy on the Philip Goldson Highway and colliding with an SUV; investigators also took a urine sample from the SUV driver. Belmopan Crash Claims Life: A Chinese businessman, Jii Lung Wu, died after his SUV overturned near Mile 21 on the George Price Highway; police say he was traveling alone and lost control. Coast Guard Rescue in San Pedro: Seven people, including two minors, were rescued after their vessel began taking on water near San Pedro; the incident ended without loss of life. Tourism Demand vs Growth: A “Doctor Love” note from San Pedro says the “slow season” feeling may be driven by faster growth in hotels and rentals, not necessarily fewer visitors. Maritime Training Interest in Belize: Barbados Community College launched online maritime courses and says participants from across the region—including Belize—have shown interest.

Regional Tourism & Policy: Belize’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Osmond Martinez, urged deeper Caribbean unity at the CDB meeting in The Bahamas, as Belize prepares to chair the Board of Governors and host the 2027 Annual Meeting. Air Access for Visitors: Air Canada will add Sunday-only, Dec–early April connecting flights from 23 European cities to Belize via Montreal, with extra seats on its Toronto–Belize service—good news for winter travelers planning beach time. Cruise & Charter Interest: The Moorings opened a new bareboat/crew yacht base in La Paz, Mexico, highlighting Belize as a “disconnect” alternative for charter clients. Marine Protection & Tourism: Stakeholders reviewed draft zoning under Belize’s Sustainable Ocean Plan, tied to the Blue Bond goal of protecting 30% of marine space—aimed at balancing fishing and tourism. Conservation Watch: A manatee-focused push says a six-month moratorium on mining/dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye should be enforced to let habitats recover. Safety on the Water: Belize Coast Guard rescued seven people near San Pedro after a vessel began taking on water. Infrastructure for Builders: The Central Building Authority opened a temporary office in Corozal to improve access to construction compliance guidance. Tourism Economy Pulse: A “Doctor Love” column says San Pedro’s “slow season” may feel earlier because the destination has grown faster than demand, spreading visitor spending across more businesses.

Belize Air Access: BermudAir is expanding winter flying with new routes that include Belize, plus Turks & Caicos and Guatemala City, aiming to beat seasonal demand by linking underserved city pairs across the Caribbean and Central America. Cruise & Hotel Buzz: Tripadvisor named its 2026 “Best of the Best” hotels, with the top spot going to G.H. Universal Hotel in Indonesia—useful inspiration for Belize visitors planning future trips. Reef Protection: A new report warns that many of the Caribbean’s most important reefs are still unprotected from human pressures like warming seas, pollution, and coastal development. Coast Guard Rescue: Belize Coast Guard rescued seven people (including two minors) after a vessel began taking on water near San Pedro, with no loss of life reported. Local Tourism Pulse: A Belize tourism column says San Pedro’s “slow season” may feel earlier because the destination has grown fast—more businesses competing for the same visitor dollar. Marine Planning: Stakeholders reviewed draft zoning and management measures for the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, tied to the Blue Bond goal of protecting 30% of marine space. Belize Travel for Europeans: Air Canada is adding Sunday connecting flights from 23 European cities to Belize via Montreal during December to early April, with a larger aircraft on the Toronto–Belize service. Wildlife & Waterways: A manatee-focused update backs a six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye, saying the habitat needs real recovery time.

Belize Tourism & Travel: Air Canada is adding a faster Sunday-only winter connection from 23 European cities to Belize via Montreal, with extra seats on its Toronto–Belize service—good news for holiday travelers chasing less transit time. Local Marine & Environment: Stakeholders met in Belize City to review draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan zoning under the Blue Bond push to protect 30% of marine space, aiming to balance conservation with fishing and tourism. Ambergris Caye & Safety: Belize Coast Guard rescued seven people (including two minors) after a San Pedro-area vessel began taking on water, with a quick SAR response helping avoid loss of life. Tourism Economy Watch: A “Doctor Love” column says San Pedro’s “slow season” feels earlier as the destination grows faster than demand—more businesses chasing the same visitor dollar. Business & Growth: Remington Hospitality took over management of Aruna Resort & Villas on Ambergris Caye, signaling continued investment in Belize’s resort market. Adventure Ideas: A guide highlights top Caribbean kayaking spots, including Stann Creek in Belize for mangroves, wildlife, and easy routes toward the reef.

Air Connectivity: Air Canada says it will add Sunday-only, Dec–early April one-day connections from 23 European cities to Belize via Montreal, with extra seats on its Toronto–Belize service—great news for winter travelers planning fewer layovers. Rescue at Sea: Belize Coast Guard rescued seven people (including two minors) after a vessel began taking on water near San Pedro, coordinating with nearby boats to avoid loss of life. Tourism Leadership: FEDECATUR re-elected Efren Pérez for another term, keeping Belize at the center of Central American tourism talks on better air/ground connectivity. Marine Planning: Stakeholders reviewed draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan zoning tied to the Blue Bond goal of protecting 30% of marine space, balancing conservation with fishing and tourism. Environment Watch: A six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye is aimed at letting habitats recover—especially for manatees. Local Safety & Access: Police reported a fatal crash in Belmopan involving a Belmopan businessman, while drone operators say civil aviation rules are moving too fast without proper consultation. Hotel Buzz: Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” highlights standout stays worldwide, reinforcing what Belize visitors increasingly look for—unique, review-loved experiences.

Air Connectivity Boost: BermudAir is expanding winter service with new routes that include Belize, plus Turks & Caicos, Anguilla and Guatemala City—good news for travelers as Belize navigates lost budget-carrier capacity. Tourism Leadership: FEDECATUR re-elected Belize’s Efren Pérez for another term, keeping Belize at the center of regional tourism talks on connectivity and cross-border travel. Ambergris Caye Growth: Plans for major northern Ambergris Caye upgrades include new schools and an international airport concept moving forward with IDB support. Sustainable Ocean Planning: Fishing and tourism stakeholders reviewed draft zoning under the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, aiming to meet the Blue Bond goal of protecting 30% of marine space. Coastal Protection Move: Government implemented a six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye to help habitats recover—especially for manatees. Maritime Training: Barbados Community College launched online maritime courses, with interest reported from across the region including Belize. Local Tourism Pulse: A “Doctor Love” column says San Pedro’s “slow season” feels earlier, likely tied to faster growth in accommodations and competition for the same visitor spend. Wildlife & Reef Safety: A Belize-focused hunt for invasive lionfish and broader conservation efforts highlight how tourism and marine health are linked.

Air Access & Routes: BermudAir is expanding winter service with new nonstop links to Turks & Caicos, Belize, and Anguilla, plus growth to Guatemala City—good news for travelers looking beyond the usual connections. Tourism Pulse: A “Doctor Love” column says San Pedro’s “slow season” may feel earlier because the destination has grown fast, with more businesses chasing the same visitor demand. Marine Protection & Tourism: Stakeholders reviewed the draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, aiming to balance fishing and tourism while meeting the Blue Bond goal of protecting 30% of marine space. Environment Watch: A six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye is underway, with local voices urging enforceable recovery time for manatees and other wildlife. Indigenous Land Rights: Indigenous communities are pushing back on government land plans affecting Maya customary tenure and Garifuna village boundaries. Safety/Health: A major U.S. screwworm detection in Texas is raising regional concern, since the pest has been spreading in the Americas. Local Community: San Pedro High School marked its 50th graduation milestone, reflecting on the school’s education legacy.

Tourism Pulse: Belize’s tourism sector gets a regional boost as FEDECATUR re-elects Efren Pérez for another term, with priorities including better air/ground connectivity and easier cross-border travel. Air Access: BermudAir keeps expanding its Caribbean reach, adding winter nonstop service to Turks & Caicos, Belize, and Anguilla from multiple U.S. gateways—plus new links to Guatemala City—promising more options for winter travelers. Infrastructure Watch: Ambergris Caye’s international airport project is moving forward, with updated designs reportedly accepted by the IDB and plans aimed at high-end arrivals via private and charter flights. Marine & Nature: Stakeholders review the draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan as Belize works toward Blue Bond goals, while a six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye is framed as a needed recovery break for manatees and other wildlife. Policy & Safety: The OSH bill is delayed again in the Senate, and Belize’s drone industry pushes back on proposed rules, saying consultation is being rushed. Community & Culture: Indigenous communities raise concerns over government land plans affecting Maya customary tenure and Garifuna village boundaries.