The highlight is the overall outturn for the 4th quarter of 2011. The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has issued a statement declaring that, “The overnight arrival figure for the 4th quarter of 2011 was the highest for that time period on record. There were 57,964 visitors in the 4th quarter, representing a 6.5% increase on the 4th quarter of 2010, and signaling a resurgence of tourism inflows in Belize.”

Tourism Data Analyst, Michael Arana, told Amandala that the rebound in overnight arrivals and Philip Goldson International Airport arrivals had a lot to do with the American market.

“We saw some very large increases in January and April. Those are usually the high season months,” said Arana.

He said that in 2011 the figures were returning to the level they were at prior to the global economic upheaval. Apart from the economic rebound, he said that the improvement in arrival figures was also due to certain strategies put in place to market Belize. Greater private sector participation also played a positive role, said Arana.

According to the BTB, December showed record arrivals of 26,945—a 7.6% increase over December 2010.

“2011 was a year of record breakers with record highs for January, July and December,” the statement added. “The total overnight arrival figure for 2011 of 250,263 is the second highest on record after the peak in 2007, which was just before the global economic crisis period. It is only the second time in Belize’s history that the overnight tourism arrival figure has exceeded 250,000 visitors.”

Airport arrivals increased 9% for the 4th quarter, according to the report. The BTB also declared this a record, at 42,034 visitors.

The data indicate that January, July, November and December were record months, with total arrivals at 181,996 for 2011—a 5.6% increase in arrivals compared to 2010.

Cruise tourism arrivals fell

Whereas the report was positive for the overnight arrivals, the BTB reported that, “there was a slight decline in December 2011 of 11.5%, and the total 2011 cruise arrival figure was 4.8% less than the figure of 2010.”

A total of 727,544 cruise tourists reportedly came to Belize in 2011.

The BTB said, “…if the cruise industry was not hampered by the cruise tender issue in the early part of the year, the 2011 cruise arrival figures may have exceeded the 2010 figures.”

The issue in question was between Carnival cruise lines and local tour operators who disputed over new rules of the game for shuttling passengers via tenders.

Arana said “that was the issue” which caused the decline, pointing to the January 2011 drop of 32% and the February decline of 35% in cruise tourist arrivals due to Carnival cruise cancellations – the biggest declines for the year, he pointed out.

Meanwhile, July showed a decline of 12% and September — 16%.

Despite the downturn, 2011 still ended with the second highest cruise tourist arrival on record, said the BTB. The record year was 2010.

As to what kind of year is projected for 2012, Arana told Amandala, “we are expecting a further increase,” although, he added that certain factors can always come to play that they do not foresee.

The Royal Visit of Prince Harry, scheduled for March 2 and 3, is expected to boost tourism in 2012.

Source:  Amandala, February 16, 2012

Picture:  Ambergris Today

In 1992, Belize became a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. And, as a party to that convention, the country must report on the steps being taken to implement the necessary controls on greenhouse gas emissions. Having submitted its first two required reports, the country is in the process of completing its Third National Communication, to be submitted to the UNFCC.

To achieve this, a workshop was hosted at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City where experts from the Climate Change Office and other interested stakeholders met to review and consider the project. 7 News spoke with veteran Meteorologist, Carlos Fuller from the Caribbean Climate Change office.

Carlos Fuller – Caribbean Community Climate Change Center

“The first obligation of Belize on the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change is to meet the sustainable development goals of the country – that and to overcome poverty. That is our main obligation under the convention and it is written there. However in doing that we say we do not want to follow the unsustainable path that the develop countries have followed in the use of its fossil fuels in the way it has used its lands, in the way it has cleared its land. So we saying yes we want to aspire to your ultimate goals, but we’ll do it in a much better way.”

Jim Mcfadzean

“It’s generally accept that the major industrialized nations are the culprits the main culprits of the phenomenon – this global phenomenon called climate change. So where are we – as small countries – how do we contribue to this whole global phenomenon?”

Carlos Fuller

“Well, Jim, as you said, it’s quite right. Belize contributes less than 1 thousandth of a percent to the global emissions of greenhouse gases. In fact, a communication usually shows that Belize is absorbing more greenhouse gases than it is actually emitting. So, we are one of the good guys in the convention. Unfortunately, we are one of those countries that are suffering the most from climate change. Being a low -lying state, we have faced problems of erosion and sea-level rise. Global warming is warming the seas which are affecting our coral reefs. It has caused pine bark infestation that decimated our pine ridge. It is producing outbreaks of dengue in the country. So in fact, we are facing the worst part of climate change, and we are not doing anything to contribute to it. So, in fact, the international community has a moral obligation to assist Belize to overcome climate change.”

The United Nation’s Framework Convention on Climate Change entered into force on March 21st, 1994.

Source:  7NewsBelize.com, February 16, 2012

Picture:  Belize Hydroelectric Dam

Life can be what you make in on Ambergris… backpackers with snorkels and fins stuffed in the sides wander through the picturesque town.  Sun worshipers stake out their 4’X6’ piece of real estate on the beach and baste with sun block.  Retirees sometimes look for real estate of the ‘normal’ kind, with first choices a turn-key home or condo that promises to give them years and years of delightful enjoyment in the next years. And, with the costs of living here, sometimes these ‘retirees’ are just over the ‘retirement age’ of 45 years.  Certainly an opportunity to enjoy much of the Caribbean lifestyle awaits those who venture into Belize’s Cayes.

While some of the local meeting places include the local beachside palapa bar, there are organizations that choose this venue for company or strategic business meetings. Work hard for a few hours, as did the Exotic Caye shareholders group, for a few hours and then take off the rest of the afternoon for a scuba dive or a barefoot sail.  This group, as others before them, learned about offshore banking, trusts, asset protection, and insurance. While you try not to fly back with a sunburn, you certainly want the tremendous ‘overexposure’ to a way to protect your assets or bank overseas. Many will come back … maybe permanently.

In the coming months, DigiCell customers can look forward to the most popular and superfast 4G experience. In signing the contract, Thomas Noble of Ericsson elaborates “we will be delivering one of the latest technologies to Belize and from a user perspective, means about 10 times faster than current data speeds with endless amounts of applications, a quantum Leap from where the country is today”. BTL’s Executive Chairman added that “this partnership with Ericsson will allow BTL to modernize its DigiCell Network – one with much more capacity and speed, making it comparable to international standards such as the AT&T’s and the T-Mobile’s of this world”.

Over the past two years alone, BTL undertook major service upgrades and expansions in DigiCell coverage and now, the anticipated introduction of 4G services is testament that the company will continue to provide customers with new and emerging cutting edge services including mobile broadband, mobile TV, video streaming, social networking, cloud services and many more applications to facilitate both the communication and entertainment needs of DigiCell customers, while on the go.

In keeping momentum with the latest wave of technology, devices and services in the telecommunication space, “offering connectivity at superfast speeds using next generation technology is only one of the many ways BTL is adopting to better serve the telecommunication needs of our customers” comments Karen Bevans, Chief Operations Officer of BTL. “The Company commits to making the user experience of DigiCell customers ‘faster than ever’ and to introducing the latest in mobile broadband services and devices. This will ensure that we keep Belizean Customers on par with those in the region, while allowing BTL to remain the number one telecommunications provider in Belize”, Bevans further stated.

Source:  Ambergris Today, February 10, 2012 on line article..

In his official statement, Moreno explained that the IDB is proud of its 20-year partnership with Belize in the social and economical development of the country. Moreno said that, “Belize faces today, important social and economical challenges, but also has enormous development potential. It’s expansive borders invites Belizeans to explore the endless opportunities for greater commerce with neighboring countries and is reminded of the need of cross-border cooperation in matters crucial to development.” He continued that “despite the vulnerability and uncertainty amidst a complex world they remain focused on the possibility of economic crisis, something that affects everyone. However, they also look forward with optimism, hopeful that with the agreement reached through dialogue they can lessen any financial impact should it happen.”

While experts predict the possibility of an economic crisis in Europe, which can have serious implications on smaller regions, Moreno explained that the outlook for Latin America and the Caribbean appears positive. In 2011 the region registered production growth of 4.3 percent while Central American and the Dominican Republic showed growth of 3.8 percent. This is attributed to lessons learned in the past combined with over a decade of persistency by IDB that countries build and maintain a stronger economy. Moreno said that one of the main socio-political problems that need to be discussed and addressed is the area of rural development. “Despite the great agricultural potential in the region, the rural area has the largest number of people living in poverty. We have to work not only to improve the agricultural sector in these areas but improve the standards to have these products reach the international market. Tourism is another avenue that can be used to improve rural development and create employment opportunity,” said Moreno.

Moreno told the press that one of the main topics that will be discussed is the issue of crime in the region. According to Moreno, crime alone is costing the region 8% of GDP (gross domestic product) to combat and it’s something that is of concern. Moreno explained that other areas that will be discussed are regional integration. The delegates will also look at the opportunity to strengthen and grow the tourism sector and create solid structural reform. When questioned about the challenges faced in the region, Moreno explained that the main one is infrastructure which is important to connect the region in an effort to increase trade.

According to Moreno, during the meeting, they hope to listen to the shortcoming and challenges by country and will analyze which projects the IDB would focus on. “We cannot be the sole financier of all the country, we don’t have the capacity and it would not be good for any country,” explained Moreno. In the past 20 year Belize has enjoyed over US $200 million in total lending and Moreno explained that the loan interest rate is 1.5%. Belize has also received over US $20 million in grant funding.

As part of the meeting Belize also joined the Salud Mesoamerica 2015 Initiative of which the initiative’s first project will see Belize receiving US $250,000. The money will be used to help reduce maternal and infant mortality among the poor and will benefit over 30 thousand women.

Source:  The San Pedro Sun, February 10th 

This program is reminiscent of the days, about ten years ago, when Temptation Island was filmed on the north side of Ambergris Caye. That program was tackier than the Bachelor. But it showed the world how stunningly beautiful and diverse Belize is. Ambergris Caye was highlighted and a continual stream of Baby Boomer expats have been making this island their second home since then. Temptation Island also changed the face of tourism in Belize.

In this episode Ben and the six lovely ladies spend some time on our Isla Bonita. They will snorkel and swim with the nurse sharks and stingrays at the well known Hol Chan Underwater Park. It sounds like one of the dates is on a smaller, more remote island. And most likely they’ll be shown biking around Ambergris Caye. Either way, you’ll get to see some hot spots on our fair island.

Of course, there will be at least one trip to a Mayan ruin., on the mainland. So if you are considering visiting Belize in the year the Mayan Calendar ends, you’ll want to get a sneak preview of one of our Mayan ruins.  Click here for the link to next Monday’s TV Guide Listings…

Click here for the original article, in October, from Ambergris Today…

My wife and I just returned from a week in Belize at Ambergris Caye. What a wonderful location. We think it’s the most beautiful spot on God’s good earth. Combine that with an English speaking, friendly population, quality restaurants and quaint local eateries, white sandy beaches with a constant Caribbean breeze and you have the perfect combination. Paradise would be a good one-word definition.

We were there for various board and investor meetings. This is the ultimate combination of business and pleasure. The new coalition of various businesses (Karlsberg International Insurance Co., Caye International Bank, ECI and Georgetown Trust) under the banner of The Belize Advantage is a brilliant move.

We’re due back in Belize in March for a President’s Week investor conference and board meetings. My wife and I can hardly wait.

Karl & Ruth O, Pittsburgh PA

It seems that just recently cancer has made a big impact on the community of San Pedro, with more and more families being affected by the disease; either losing a family member, friend or surviving it. A very large crowd gathered at Central Park with candles and special printed T-shirts depicting their color of cancer ribbon of choice. The different colors represented the type of cancer which individuals wanted to show support for.

It was even great to see the support from other NGO’s such as the San Pedro AIDS Commission, the San Pedro Branch of the Belize Diabetes Association, The National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC) and the San Pedro Lions & Leos Club, among others.

The Isla Bonita Elementary School Marching Band lead the walk from Central Park, to the roundabout in the San Juan Area and back to town, turning heads and causing people to come out of their homes. This is exactly what the Society intended for, to create awareness that there is a group in San Pedro that is working on spreading information and assisting cancer patients. Passersby were asking questions and others joined in the cause after bumping into the group walking through town.

At the end of the Walk President of the San Pedro Cancer Society, Mr. Gonzalo Muñoz, thanked all those present for the great show of support and urged everybody to become members of the group that is always working on fundraisers, conducting regular meetings and helping others.

“A big THANK U to all those who made it to the walk on Saturday; it was well attended! To those that made it possible by donating cash or by buying a T-Shirt. Thanks to our Almighty Father for giving us a nice evening where we got together to show Cancer patients that WE CARE !” – Commented secretary Lucy Muñoz on the SP Cancer Society Facebook Group Page.

The group will be conducting a Blood Drive and Food Sale this Saturday, February 11, in front of the San Carlos Medical Clinic (Dr, Giovanni Solorzano) on Pescador Drive starting at 9a.m. Your support and donations will be greatly appreciated.

For more information on the San Pedro Cancer Society contact you can contact any of the following members:

Source:  Ambergris Today Article on February 6, 2012

With more than 50-million monthly visitors from around the planet, BBC.com/Travel will put its focus on the many extraordinary natural and cultural resources of our beautiful country. Everything from Maya sites to Cayes, exotic flora and fauna, culture and traditions will be portrayed with captivating titles such as: Action-Packed Belize, The Very Best of Belize, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Adventuring in Belize, and Kicking Back in Caye Caulker-Belize.

“To garner the attention of a worldwide media company like the BBC serves as yet another endorsement of the combined efforts and commitment of the BTB and our terrific industry partners,” said Yanick Dalhouse, Director of Marketing for the BTB. “The attention and exposure this week-long feature on BBC.com/Travel will provide Belize’s tourism industry helps to further the wonderful momentum we’re building throughout 2012.”To check out these special feature stories on Belize, visit www.bbc.com/travel/Belize.

Source:  Belize Tourism Board

Miss San Pedro at Club Jan 2012

It was a flashy, fun event, and a good time was had by all. The evening was balmy, with a soft moon peaking from behind the intermittent clouds. The Club setting was stunning, with lights reflecting off the pool and Club, illuminating the pool. The center pool bridge provided a perfect stage. The models would step out of their tent and make a grand entry on the center pool bridge, where they stopped to display their colorful Caribbean attire. All of the outfits were provided by local San Pedro shops.

The pool was surrounded by chairs, most of which were filled. Wherever one sat, there was a clear view of the models. They paraded around the entire pool area, so we all had a chance to check out what they were wearing.

Art, Drink, Food, Fashion and Fun

The evening started with drinks and appetizers, served at the newly built Snack Shack. Sangria, mixed drinks, and tapas provided the tasty refreshments. Local artists displayed their paintings and jewelry, at the pool entrance. This certainly added to the artsy ambiance and complimented the fashion flair.

Models in Red Attire at San Pedro Club Show

But most of the attendees were there to check out the sexy bathing suits, fun daytime attire, and classy evening dresses. All outfits were modeled by local San Pedro gals and guys. Our very own Miss San Pedro, and Mr. Jade, modeled the local clothes. The fashion rags ranged from funky to classy. So there was something for everyone. And the guys seemed to enjoy the evening as well, since the action started with the sexy swimsuit attire. We recognized several local fellows who were brave enough to participate as models.

The gals and guys started at the main bridge, where they struck their first pose. Then they paraded down into the crowd, first around the deep pool, and then back and around to the shallow center pool. That allowed them to pass by all of the attendees at some point. They then returned to the changing area over the second bridge pool, resulting in a perfect circuit.

Next Came a Dance Performance, Raffle, and Live Music

San Pedro Dancers at Fashion Event

After the fashion show, The San Pedro Dancers gave a lively and colorful dance performance. Next was a raffle. Then Pineapple Willy played smooth sounds, backed up by local favorites – Drummer Dan and Derek.  The tone and decibel level was perfect for this sophisticated San Pedro event.

All for a Worthwhile Cause – Mama Vilma’s Family Home

And what a good cause it is. The founders of Mama Vilma’s have made impressive  progress during the last year. They have been actively raising funds for a safe home for families in need.  This organization was started, and is managed, by a dedicated group of local ladies, committed to their cause.  Grand Baymen/Exotic Caye Beach Resort is gratified to have the opportunity to sponsor this committed group.

Everything came off without a visible hitch. This was due to the hard work of both the Mama Vilma team of volunteers, and Paul and Kelly German, the managers of Exotic Caye Beach Resort and the San Pedro Club.

A Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane

San Pedro Club at Night Event - 2012

For Mike and me, Saturday night was a nostalgic trip down memory lane. We opened the San Pedro Family Fitness Club in April of 2003. Mike designed and built the Club with exactly this type of event in mind. From 2003-2008, before we agreed to form a Joint Venture – Grand Baymen – Mike and I also operated a full service restaurant, next to the pool. It was open until 9 PM each evening. We often enjoyed poolside tiki torch dinners on the deck, basking in the moon glow, surrounded by the soft, reflecting underwater pool lights. This event brought back a flood of fond memories from our past nights spent enjoying this romantic setting, many years ago…

So stay tuned in 2013. There is a very good chance that the Mama Vilma’s 2013 Annual Fashion Show will once again be held at the San Pedro Club on Ambergris Caye.