AGP Executive Report

Air Access Boost: BermudAir is expanding winter routes with new nonstop service to Belize from multiple US hubs, including St. Pete–Clearwater (PIE), where it returns international passenger flights with links to Turks & Caicos, Belize, and Anguilla starting December. Resort Management: Remington Hospitality has taken over management of Aruna Resort & Villas on Ambergris Caye, aiming to improve operations and revenue for the growing island market. Ambergris Caye Growth: Plans for a new international airport for Ambergris Caye are moving forward, with designs reportedly accepted by the IDB and funding positioned for a facility that could attract higher-end tourism. Coastal Protection: The government has temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas (including beach reclamation) while it develops a compliance-focused plan with coastal communities. Health Watch: PAHO is urging stronger measles surveillance and vaccination ahead of the 2026 World Cup, noting Belize is among countries reporting cases linked to outbreaks or imports. Wildlife/Ag Risk: The new world screwworm has been detected in a Texas calf, raising concerns for regional livestock health and potential spread.

Ambergris Caye Airlift: Belize Rural South rep Andre Perez says designs for a proposed San Pedro International Airport have been accepted by the IDB under ICAO standards, with funding in place and a facility expected to support private jets, domestic and regional flights, and charters—aimed at high-end visitors. Coastal Protection Pause: After complaints from coastal communities, the government temporarily halted dredging in sensitive areas (including beach reclamation) while it develops a plan with Environment, Fisheries, Health, and local stakeholders like San Pedro and Caye Caulker. New Routes for Belize Travelers: BermudAir is expanding its winter network with new nonstop service to Belize from multiple US hubs, plus Turks and Caicos and Anguilla—tickets go on sale Friday, with service starting in December. Sports Facilities Upgrade: Minister Anthony Mahler says stadium renovations are underway nationwide, starting with Marion Jones, including plans for an Olympic-size swimming pool, rock climbing, and tennis courts, though progress is slowed by limited budgets. Tourism & Health Watch: PAHO warns measles is rising across the Americas and urges stronger surveillance and vaccination access ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as increased travel could speed spread. Conservation Leadership: Belize Audubon Society appoints Yashin Dujon as its new Executive Director, bringing tourism and conservation experience to protected-area management.

Air Connectivity Boost: BermudAir is set to launch nonstop Boston–Belize flights in December, with fares starting at $324 one-way, plus new winter routes from multiple US hubs to Belize and Turks & Caicos (and service expansions to Anguilla and Guatemala City), with tickets going on sale Friday—good news for Belize’s visitor pipeline. Regional Tourism Roundup: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is bringing tourism ministers and industry leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences,” with Belize represented as the region pushes for stronger connectivity and cultural, regenerative travel. Health Alert for Travelers: PAHO is warning that measles is rising across the Americas as the World Cup approaches, urging countries (including Belize) to tighten surveillance, vaccination access, and traveler guidance ahead of mass gatherings. Public Health Vigilance: Belize’s Ministry of Health says it’s heightening screening at ports of entry in response to the Ebola outbreak in East and Central Africa, even though no suspected cases have been found locally. Sustainable Tourism & Environment: Government has temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas after complaints from coastal communities, including San Pedro, while it develops a plan with relevant agencies. Tourism Jobs Watch: Belize is facing labor shortages affecting tourism and construction, with more work permits being requested as businesses struggle to hire.

Air Connectivity Boost: BermudAir is expanding its winter Caribbean network with new nonstop routes from the U.S. and Canada, including direct service to Belize (from Boston, Raleigh-Durham, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando Sanford, and St. Petersburg/Tampa) plus Turks and Caicos and Guatemala City, with tickets slated to go on sale June 5. Health Alert for Travelers: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is warning of a measles resurgence across the Americas and urges countries to tighten surveillance and vaccination ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup (June 11–July 19), noting Belize is among countries reporting infections linked to outbreaks or imported cases. Coastal Protection Move: Belize’s government has temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas after concerns from coastal communities, with a plan being developed for San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and mainland spots like Hopkins and Placencia. Tourism & Community: Belize Audubon Society appoints Yashin Dujon as its new Executive Director, bringing conservation and sustainable tourism experience. Public Health Vigilance: The Ministry of Health and Wellness says it’s increasing screening at ports of entry in response to an Ebola outbreak in East and Central Africa, with no suspected cases reported in Belize.

Air Connectivity Boost: BermudAir is reshuffling and expanding winter routes, relocating Orlando service to Orlando Sanford (SFB) and starting Belize flights Dec. 21, 2026, with additional nonstop service from St. Pete/Tampa (PIE) to Belize, Turks & Caicos, and Anguilla—plus new direct service to Grand Cayman via Turks & Caicos, with tickets going on sale Friday. Health & Travel Safety: PAHO is urging Americas countries to tighten measles surveillance and vaccination ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including active case-finding and guidance for unvaccinated travelers; locally, Belize’s Ministry of Health is also heightening screening at ports of entry in response to an Ebola outbreak in East and Central Africa. Tourism Operations Watch: San Pedro’s golf cart and vehicle import moratorium remains in effect as authorities try to keep traffic under control. Belize Conservation Leadership: Belize Audubon Society names Yashin Dujon as its new Executive Director. Local Visitor Value: Placencia’s Maya Beach Hotel is highlighted for beachfront boutique stays with rooms reportedly starting around $110/night. Community & Environment: A Belize-based initiative is training locals to collect sargassum and turn it into sustainable fiber and textile materials.

Health & Travel Safety: PAHO is urging countries in the Americas to tighten measles surveillance and vaccination ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, noting a sharp rise in cases globally and across the region, with many infections among unvaccinated or unknown-status travelers. Public Health at Ports of Entry: Belize’s Ministry of Health says it’s starting heightened vigilance for Ebola at airports, land borders, and seaports, with no suspected cases reported and guidance for travelers who develop symptoms. Tourism Infrastructure Watch: Reports say the IDB has approved designs for a proposed San Pedro International Airport on Ambergris Caye—big opportunity, but locals are asking if the island is ready for the jump in traffic. Labour Crunch: Belize is facing a growing shortage of manual and some skilled workers, hitting sectors including tourism and construction, with more reliance on imported labour and work permits. Island Traffic Rules: San Pedro’s moratorium on new golf cart rentals and vehicle imports remains in effect as authorities work to manage congestion. Marine & Community Innovation: A Belize-based initiative is turning sargassum into sustainable fiber and textiles through a new partnership linking marine science and local workforce training. Belize Travel Picks: Placencia’s Maya Beach Hotel is highlighted for beachfront boutique value, with rooms reportedly starting around $110. Local Tourism Friction: Tensions between Belizean and Mexican tour guides/fishers near the maritime border are raising calls for clearer sea demarcation.

Caribbean Week in New York: Caribbean tourism leaders, including representatives expected from Belize, are meeting in Manhattan for Caribbean Week 2026 under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” as ministers push for stronger connectivity and a unified regional tourism voice. Sargassum-to-value in Belize: Black in Marine Science and the Black Fiber & Textile Network are partnering with Belize’s Bloom to Business to train locals to collect and process sargassum, turning a coastal problem into sustainable fiber and textile materials. Ebola screening at Belize borders: Belize’s Ministry of Health says it’s starting heightened public health vigilance at airports, land borders, and seaports, with travelers urged to call 0-800-MOH-CARE if they develop symptoms after travel to affected areas. Belize labour crunch hits tourism: Immigration officials say businesses across Belize are struggling to find manual and some skilled workers, with San Pedro tourism feeling the impact and employers increasingly relying on work permits and imported staff. San Pedro traffic rules hold: The island’s moratorium on new golf cart rentals and vehicle imports remains in effect as authorities continue traffic management efforts. Placencia stay deal: A Placencia Peninsula boutique option, the Maya Beach Hotel, is being promoted with rooms starting around $110/night. Maritime tensions near Ambergris Caye: Disputes between Belizean and Mexican tour guides/fishers near the border waters are raising calls for clearer maritime demarcation. Hurricane season reminder: Belize’s meteorology service notes the Atlantic season runs June 1–Nov 30, with El Niño likely reducing activity but warmer seas still posing risks.

Public Health & Travel Safety: Belize’s Ministry of Health says it’s starting heightened screening at airports, land borders, and seaports after an Ebola outbreak in East and Central Africa, stressing the risk is low but urging travelers with symptoms to call 0-800-MOH-CARE. Tourism & Cost of Living: New SIB data shows dining out is getting pricier, with “Restaurants and Accommodation Services” up 3.1% in April 2026—important for visitors planning budgets. San Pedro Traffic Rules: The San Pedro golf cart and vehicle import moratorium remains in effect as officials say it’s helping contain congestion from tourism growth. Coastal Challenge: Sargassum is still a major headache for San Pedro and other coastal areas, with local leaders saying collection and funding remain hard to manage. Labour & Tourism Staffing: Belize is facing a growing shortage of manual and some skilled workers, with employers increasingly relying on imported labour—directly affecting construction and tourism support services. Local Health Expansion: A new Duck Run One polyclinic and hurricane shelter will serve six rural communities, bringing emergency and primary care closer to home. Maritime Tensions: Belizean and Mexican tour guides/fishers near the border north of Ambergris Caye have reported clashes over territorial waters, pushing calls for clearer maritime demarcation. Belize in the Spotlight: A high-profile hip-hop wedding took place on a private island off Belize’s coast, drawing international entertainment attention.

Refugee Policy & Border Security: PM Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will accept just 10 third-country nationals (including refugees) annually from the U.S., insisting on background checks and valid travel documents. Belize Tourism & Culture: Hip-hop pioneer Dave Mays and Brett Jolèy Mays tied the knot on Prince Island off Belize’s coast in a star-studded, high-profile celebration. Regional Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 draws strong ministerial turnout, with Belize among the regional representatives. Health Screening at Home: Belize health authorities are heightening screening at airports, seaports and border checkpoints amid an Ebola advisory, urging travelers with symptoms to call the hotline. San Pedro Visitor Rules: San Pedro’s moratorium on new golf cart rentals and vehicle imports remains in effect to manage traffic as tourism grows. Labour & Tourism Impact: Belize faces a growing manual labour shortage, with employers increasingly relying on migrant workers—an issue already affecting construction and tourism staffing. Sargassum Reality Check: San Pedro continues battling sargassum; officials say collection is costly and hard to manage before it reaches shore. Maritime Tensions: Belizean and Mexican tour guides/fishers reported clashes near Xcalak over territorial waters and access to tour and fishing areas. Infrastructure for Visitors: Duck Run One’s new polyclinic and hurricane shelter will improve emergency and primary healthcare access for six rural communities. Hurricane Season Prep: Belize’s NMS flags a likely below-normal Atlantic season starting June 1, but warns Belize can still be affected.

Public Health & Travel Safety: Belize health authorities are stepping up screening at airports, seaports, and border checkpoints after an Ebola advisory from East and Central Africa, with no suspected cases reported locally and instructions for travelers who develop symptoms to call the hotline. San Pedro Traffic & Visitor Rules: Ambergris Caye’s golf cart and vehicle import moratorium remains in effect as officials say restrictions have helped ease congestion. Labour & Tourism Staffing: Belize is facing a growing manual labour shortage, with employers increasingly relying on migrant workers in construction, agriculture, and tourism support roles, while skilled gaps—especially in healthcare—also persist. Sargassum Update (San Pedro): Coastal cleanup continues to be costly and difficult, with officials warning that this year’s seaweed problem could mirror last year’s severity. Tourism Policy & Environment: Belize Tourism Industry Association calls for a moratorium on mining/dredging in sensitive areas like Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye, while Cabinet also approved height/floor limits in key coastal zones. Regional Voyaging & Ocean Protection: Pacific leaders and Belizean representatives gathered in Rapa Nui to strengthen cultural voyaging ties and collaborate on high-seas marine conservation. Border Tensions: Reports of clashes between Belizean and Mexican tour guides/fishers near Xcalak highlight calls for clearer maritime boundaries.

Ebola Screening Boost: Belize health authorities are ramping up arrival screening at border checkpoints, airports, and seaports after an Ebola advisory, stressing low immediate risk but urging travelers with symptoms to call the hotline. San Pedro Traffic Rules: The San Pedro moratorium on new golf cart rentals and vehicle imports remains in force to keep congestion under control as tourism and commercial growth continue. Labour Crunch for Tourism: Belize is seeing a growing shortage of manual and skilled workers, with employers increasingly relying on migrant labour—an issue already affecting construction, agriculture, and tourism support services. Healthcare Upgrade in Cayo: A new Duck Run One polyclinic and hurricane shelter is now serving six rural communities, reducing the need to travel to San Ignacio for care. Sargassum Pressure in San Pedro: Seaweed cleanup is still a major headache for coastal tourism, with officials saying collection is hardest at sea and funding remains constrained. Tourism Safety & Borders: Belize and Mexican tour guides/fishers near Xcalak report tensions over territorial waters, pushing calls for clearer maritime demarcation. Sustainable Ocean Planning: The Draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan is open for public review, mapping marine zones for fishing, tourism, shipping, and conservation. Regional Aviation Watch: A new LIAT 2020–Air Caraïbes interline deal signals shifting Caribbean airline connectivity as markets realign.

Public Health: Belize health authorities are ramping up Ebola screening at border checkpoints, airports, and seaports, with no suspected cases reported and guidance for recent travelers who develop symptoms to call the hotline. Island Transport Rules: San Pedro’s moratorium on new golf cart rentals and vehicle imports remains in effect as authorities push to ease Ambergris Caye traffic. Labour & Tourism Staffing: Belize is seeing a growing manual labour shortage, with employers increasingly relying on migrant workers while also facing gaps in skilled roles—an issue that’s starting to affect sectors including tourism. Rural Healthcare Upgrade: A new Duck Run One polyclinic and hurricane shelter is now serving six Cayo communities, bringing emergency and primary care closer to home. Coastal & Beach Concerns: Sargassum continues to disrupt San Pedro and nearby coasts; officials say cleanup is costly and not declared a national emergency due to funding and hurricane-season planning. Tourism Policy: Minister Andre Perez supports a temporary moratorium on mining/dredging in tourism hotspots, including areas around Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye. Travel Inspiration (Belize): A feature highlights a deeper Belize journey into the Maya world via river travel to Lamanai. Regional Travel Context: CARICOM data from a border summit says free movement isn’t causing mass migration waves.

Maritime Tensions: Belizean and Mexican tour guides and fishers reportedly clashed near the border waters north of Ambergris Caye/Xcalak over territorial access, with calls growing for clearer maritime demarcation. Maya Adventure Spotlight: A new travel feature highlights a deeper Belize journey into the Maya world via river travel to Lamanai, pairing ancient history with wildlife and jungle scenery. Labour Crunch for Tourism: Belize is facing a growing shortage of manual workers, with tourism among the sectors struggling to fill vacancies; officials say the gap is also driving demand for work permits. Labour Law Modernization: The Ministry of Labour is moving to update Belize’s outdated Labour Act through a stakeholder workshop aimed at better protecting workers while creating a fairer framework for employers. Hurricane Season Prep: Belize’s NMS and NEMO are urging readiness as the Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, with forecasts suggesting slightly below-normal activity but still possible impacts. Sargassum Costs in San Pedro: Coastal communities, especially San Pedro, continue battling sargassum; officials say collection is expensive and difficult once seaweed reaches shore, even as funding and “emergency” status remain debated. Tourism Policy Pressure: Minister Andre Perez backs a temporary moratorium approach in tourism hotspots while agencies coordinate on beach access and environmental concerns. High Court Calendar: Belize City’s High Court is set for a busy criminal session, including the next arraignment steps for businessman Kris Rosado after his charge was reduced. San Pedro Community Boost: 150 American visitors joined a Boca del Rio Park beautification and clean-up effort, reflecting growing interest in volunteer tourism. Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan: A draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan is open for public review, mapping marine zones for fishing, tourism, shipping, and conservation.

Labour & Visas: Belize is grappling with a growing shortage of manual and skilled workers, with tourism among the sectors feeling the pinch as employers seek help and more work permits. Labour Law Modernization: The Ministry of Labour is reviewing Belize’s outdated Labour Act, bringing unions, employers, and stakeholders together to update workplace rules and standards. Hurricane Season Prep: With the Atlantic season starting June 1, Belize’s meteorology team flags a slightly below-normal outlook but warns storms can still affect the country. Sargassum in San Pedro: Seaweed remains a major headache for San Pedro, and officials say beach cleanups are costly and hard to manage before it decomposes ashore. Tourism Development Pressure: Belize Tourism Industry Association support is growing for a moratorium in tourism hotspots, while Cabinet approved limits on high-rise building approvals in key coastal areas. Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan: The draft ocean plan is open for public review, mapping marine zones for fishing, tourism, shipping, and conservation. San Pedro Park Boost: 150 American visitors helped beautify Boca del Rio Park, pairing a corporate retreat with community cleanup. Crime Court Update: Businessman Kris Rosado is set for arraignment June 9 on a reduced charge tied to a fatal traffic incident.

Immigration & Work Permits: Ministry of Immigration CEO Tanya Santos says Belize’s labor crisis is pushing employers to import both manual and skilled workers, while also stressing Belize’s “welcoming” approach and concerns about fair opportunities for Belizeans. Hurricane Season Prep: Belize is urged to prepare as the Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1–Nov 30, with forecasts calling for slightly below-normal activity but still possible impacts locally. Sargassum in San Pedro: Coastal cleanup remains costly and difficult; Rural South Rep. Andre Perez says collection must happen at sea to prevent decomposition on shore, and funding is constrained despite millions allocated. Tourism Under Pressure: Perez backs a temporary moratorium in tourism hotspots, including steps to coordinate departments and address beach claiming and dock access. Port of Belize Expansion: PM Briceño says government is optimistic about modernizing and growing the Port of Belize, with talks underway with cruise lines and investors. Air Access Update: JetBlue permanently ends direct New York–Belize flights, likely forcing travelers onto connecting routes. Sustainable Ocean Planning: Belize’s Draft Sustainable Ocean Plan is open for public review, zoning marine areas for fishing, tourism, shipping, and conservation. Community Tourism Boost: 150 American visitors helped beautify Boca del Rio Park in San Pedro through a corporate social responsibility clean-up.

CARICOM Free Movement Check: A CARICOM border summit in Antigua says synchronized data is not showing “mass migration” fears after free movement rules—officials say the numbers are very low and many cases involve people already abroad regularizing status. Sargassum Costs & Policy: Belize Rural South Rep. Andre Perez says sargassum cleanup funding is constrained despite millions invested, and he explains why it hasn’t been declared a national emergency—hurricane season and other priorities are weighing on decisions. Tourism Protection Push: Perez backs a temporary moratorium in tourism hotspots, aligning with calls to pause mining/dredging and to coordinate departments on beach access and dock issues across San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, Hopkins and Seine Bight. Health & Tourism Infrastructure: Work on the new San Pedro General Hospital is moving steadily within its $33M budget. Community Tourism in Action: 150 American visitors in San Pedro joined a week-long retreat with a Boca del Rio Park beautification and cleanup effort with the San Pedro Town Council and Alaia Belize. Air Access Update: JetBlue is permanently ending its direct New York–Belize flights, likely forcing travelers onto connecting routes. Ocean Planning: Belize’s Draft Sustainable Ocean Plan is open for public review, mapping marine zones for fishing, tourism, shipping and conservation. Road Safety for Riders: The Transport Department launches helmet safety standards training with FIA Foundation support. Belize Court Calendar: High Court criminal call-up includes serious matters ranging from murder and rape to cyber offences, with cases expected to proceed in the upcoming session.