With main roads coupling pedestrians and bike paths, Hopkins Village allures with culture, food, and vacation thrills. And now, the charming Southern destination is set to get even more accessible as tourism stakeholders commit to a public-private partnership to partially pave a portion of its road! Just over a mile of the unfinished Hopkins Road—between GariMaya Gift Shop and the Beaches & Dreams Hotel—will be paved for $850,000 by agreement between critical government ministries, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), and various private tourism businesses. Travelers looking to soak up sea breezes and Garifuna culture can enjoy the near five-mile long stretch of Hopkins’ fine coastline, which shines against friendly smiles and an easy pace.
Hopkins, Sittee River, and Surrounding Communities To Benefit
Tourism stakeholders of Southern Belize sign MOU for the paving of Hopkins Road. Photo courtesy Ministry of Tourism
Tourism stakeholders of Southern Belize sign MOU for the paving of Hopkins Road. Photo courtesy Ministry of Tourism
Tourism stakeholders of Southern Belize sign MOU for the paving of Hopkins Road. Photo courtesy Ministry of Tourism
Tourism stakeholders of Southern Belize sign MOU for the paving of Hopkins Road. Photo courtesy Ministry of Tourism
In a recent outreach exercise by Hon. Anthony Mahler of Belize’s Ministry of Tourism & Diaspora Relations and Hon. Rodwell Ferguson of Belize’s Ministry of Public Utilities & Logistics, residents named paving the Hopkins Road as first priority for supporting tourism in the area. The Ministry of Tourism hailed the efficient putting together of the initiative as an example of the kind of collaboration it seeks in rebuilding an industry battered by COVID-19. A memorandum of understanding between the Ministries of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Infrastructure Development and Housing and Public Utilities and Logistics along with the Board and businesses was signed by their representatives on Thursday, March 4, 2021. The approximate 1.2 Miles of road works is expected to cost BZ$ 850,000.00; works are slated to begin before April 1, 2021.
Hopkins — A Quiet, Burgeoning Destination with Cultural Flair
The Big Dock Ceviche Bar at Jaguar Reef Lodge, a beach chic resort of The Belize Collection. Photo courtesy property.
This decision is also critical for improving the visitor experience in one of Belize’s most important tourism destinations. Sounds of Garifuna drums become amplified under the thatch roof restaurants that line the beachfront; besides, overlooking the moonlight above the bay in the Caribbean Sea is unmatched. Venture offshore to the beckoning Belize Barrier Reef, like the Glover’s Reef Atoll, or inland for a true nature experience within its verdant wilds and meandering riverscapes.
Header photo of a road in Hopkins Village, courtesy of Duarte Dellarole.
