“I believe we need better connectivity throughout the Caribbean, for us to be able to grow tourism,” said Belize’s Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Hon. Anthony Mahler, this past week.
With one foot in the Caribbean and one foot in Central America, Belize is hailed as a gateway between the two regions. It’s a sentiment that was reiterated by Hon. Mahler while speaking to the Trinidad & Tobago Guardian recently. The minister also added that it’s one of the main reasons why connectivity between Belize and other Caribbean countries should be improved. That’s because, currently, those wishing to travel to, say, Trinidad or Jamaica from Belize often have a lengthy layover in the U.S. in between destinations.
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- Maracas Beach, Trinidad & Tobago. Photo by Thruston Benny on Unsplash
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- Passengers at the checkout counter area at the Piarco International Airport. Image via Abraham Diaz/Trinidad & Tobago Guardian (File Photo)
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- Acajout Hotel, Trinidad & Tobago
“That is a problem for people traveling and that’s why Belize doesn’t get as many European visitors, as we believe they will also have to overnight in other countries such as Mexico and the United States,” Mahler added, according to The Trinidad & Tobago Guardian.
The good news is, though, that according to Minister Mahler, Belize is currently in talks with a few Caribbean carriers to increase flights to the country. Those airlines include Caribbean Airlines – the state-owned airline and flag carrier of Trinidad and Tobago – and Cayman Airways. Still, it may be some time before Belize sees any of those new flights to the Caribbean, since, according to Mahler getting new carriers to enter a new route is no easy task and can take years.
Belize As A Caribbean Destination
Photo by Duarte Dellarole
Though growing in popularity, Belize is still relatively a hidden gem in the world of Caribbean Travel. Despite its location in Central America, thanks to a shared history and culture with the rest of the region, Belize is a Caribbean country, something that many may not be aware of. Minister Mahler says that the Belize Tourism Board is hoping to change this by continuing to market the country as a must-visit Caribbean destination.
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- © Duarte Dellarole
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- Sailing into the sunset. Photo by Duarte Dellarole Photography
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- Photo by Leonardo Melendez Photography
“We have pristine beaches, lush jungles, and a rich cultural heritage, for everyone to enjoy and we are also known as an eco-adventure destination,” said Minister Mahler.
Featured Photo by Nicolas J Leclercq on Unsplash
