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| In 2007, the sector contributed BZD$590 million (US$302.7 million) in revenue and Prime Minister Dean Barrow says the aim is to make that contribution even higher, through increasing airlift and market share and improving the Belize product. (File photo) | |
BELMOPAN, Belize, May 16, 2008 - Tourism is to become a national priority in Belize and the government has announced a plan to pump more resources and implement initiatives in the industry that last year accounted for more than 18 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In 2007, the sector contributed BZD$590 million (US$302.7 million) in revenue and Prime Minister Dean Barrow says the aim is to make that contribution even higher, through increasing airlift and market share and improving the Belize product.
"Arrangements are being made to facilitate the movement of regional tourists across our borders through the implementation of a tourist card program and through the improvement of air traffic between Cancun and Belize. These measures will be accompanied by special promotions of Belize to these at hand markets," he told stakeholders at the Belize Tourism Board's 10th Annual Industry Presentation on Thursday.
It was also announced that the National Tourism Council will be reconvened and the current tourism tax regime will be re-examined.
Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia said the government had a five-point outlook which lists as its objectives: to develop a sustainable market position, enhance the visitor experience by improving the tourism product, involve local communities in the development of the tourism product, build an inclusive industry and ensure environmental sustainability.
"This UDP (United Democratic Party) administration recognises that there is a need for more equitable opportunities in the industry, for improvements to the basic infrastructure and more targeted destination marketing and public relations programmes that will help us to diversify the geographic markets we serve," he said.
Prime Minister Barrow added that in order to succeed in the plan, government would require funds and it had therefore started discussions with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for long-term support.
"Our government has been fully engaged with the IDB to develop a sustainable tourism plan for the next 25 years. This project includes, in addition to a loan facility of BZD$30 million (US$15.4 million), a master development blueprint for the government and the industry to follow. With all hands on deck, it is estimated by the bank that the whole project can be entirely drawn up and loan funds available by the end of this year," he said.
Meantime, Director of Tourism Tracy Panton said that even with the challenges facing the industry, including skyrocketing fuel prices, local stakeholders were optimistic.
"The industry is very resilient. I think there is a new sense of hope, a fresh outlook, certainly a recommitment to growing the industry and I think that at the end of the day we will be able to maintain our market share," she said.
Minister Heredia added that while the plan was ambitious, he believed it could be realised through dedication and having the right team on the job.
"I wish to emphasise that making tourism a national priority is not merely rhetoric of my colleagues and I, but rather a firm promise of the government which we hope to achieve in the first five-year term," he said.
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