AGP Executive Report

New Air Links for Winter 2027: Southwest Airlines opened bookings for its February 2027 schedule, adding six new warm-weather routes and bringing back 28 seasonal services—highlighting first-time links like Nashville to Liberia, Costa Rica and Columbus to San Juan, Puerto Rico, boosting travel options for Central America and the Caribbean. Belize Regional Unity Push: Belize’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Osmond Martinez, urged deeper Caribbean solidarity at the Caribbean Development Bank meeting in The Bahamas as Belize prepares to host the 2027 annual meeting. Belize City Road Safety: A motorcyclist died after rear-ending a horse-drawn buggy on the Philip Goldson Highway and colliding with an SUV; investigators also took a urine sample from the SUV driver. Belmopan Crash Claims Life: A Chinese businessman, Jii Lung Wu, died after his SUV overturned near Mile 21 on the George Price Highway; police say he was traveling alone and lost control. Coast Guard Rescue in San Pedro: Seven people, including two minors, were rescued after their vessel began taking on water near San Pedro; the incident ended without loss of life. Tourism Demand vs Growth: A “Doctor Love” note from San Pedro says the “slow season” feeling may be driven by faster growth in hotels and rentals, not necessarily fewer visitors. Maritime Training Interest in Belize: Barbados Community College launched online maritime courses and says participants from across the region—including Belize—have shown interest.

Regional Tourism & Policy: Belize’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Osmond Martinez, urged deeper Caribbean unity at the CDB meeting in The Bahamas, as Belize prepares to chair the Board of Governors and host the 2027 Annual Meeting. Air Access for Visitors: Air Canada will add Sunday-only, Dec–early April connecting flights from 23 European cities to Belize via Montreal, with extra seats on its Toronto–Belize service—good news for winter travelers planning beach time. Cruise & Charter Interest: The Moorings opened a new bareboat/crew yacht base in La Paz, Mexico, highlighting Belize as a “disconnect” alternative for charter clients. Marine Protection & Tourism: Stakeholders reviewed draft zoning under Belize’s Sustainable Ocean Plan, tied to the Blue Bond goal of protecting 30% of marine space—aimed at balancing fishing and tourism. Conservation Watch: A manatee-focused push says a six-month moratorium on mining/dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye should be enforced to let habitats recover. Safety on the Water: Belize Coast Guard rescued seven people near San Pedro after a vessel began taking on water. Infrastructure for Builders: The Central Building Authority opened a temporary office in Corozal to improve access to construction compliance guidance. Tourism Economy Pulse: A “Doctor Love” column says San Pedro’s “slow season” may feel earlier because the destination has grown faster than demand, spreading visitor spending across more businesses.

Belize Air Access: BermudAir is expanding winter flying with new routes that include Belize, plus Turks & Caicos and Guatemala City, aiming to beat seasonal demand by linking underserved city pairs across the Caribbean and Central America. Cruise & Hotel Buzz: Tripadvisor named its 2026 “Best of the Best” hotels, with the top spot going to G.H. Universal Hotel in Indonesia—useful inspiration for Belize visitors planning future trips. Reef Protection: A new report warns that many of the Caribbean’s most important reefs are still unprotected from human pressures like warming seas, pollution, and coastal development. Coast Guard Rescue: Belize Coast Guard rescued seven people (including two minors) after a vessel began taking on water near San Pedro, with no loss of life reported. Local Tourism Pulse: A Belize tourism column says San Pedro’s “slow season” may feel earlier because the destination has grown fast—more businesses competing for the same visitor dollar. Marine Planning: Stakeholders reviewed draft zoning and management measures for the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, tied to the Blue Bond goal of protecting 30% of marine space. Belize Travel for Europeans: Air Canada is adding Sunday connecting flights from 23 European cities to Belize via Montreal during December to early April, with a larger aircraft on the Toronto–Belize service. Wildlife & Waterways: A manatee-focused update backs a six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye, saying the habitat needs real recovery time.

Belize Tourism & Travel: Air Canada is adding a faster Sunday-only winter connection from 23 European cities to Belize via Montreal, with extra seats on its Toronto–Belize service—good news for holiday travelers chasing less transit time. Local Marine & Environment: Stakeholders met in Belize City to review draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan zoning under the Blue Bond push to protect 30% of marine space, aiming to balance conservation with fishing and tourism. Ambergris Caye & Safety: Belize Coast Guard rescued seven people (including two minors) after a San Pedro-area vessel began taking on water, with a quick SAR response helping avoid loss of life. Tourism Economy Watch: A “Doctor Love” column says San Pedro’s “slow season” feels earlier as the destination grows faster than demand—more businesses chasing the same visitor dollar. Business & Growth: Remington Hospitality took over management of Aruna Resort & Villas on Ambergris Caye, signaling continued investment in Belize’s resort market. Adventure Ideas: A guide highlights top Caribbean kayaking spots, including Stann Creek in Belize for mangroves, wildlife, and easy routes toward the reef.

Air Connectivity: Air Canada says it will add Sunday-only, Dec–early April one-day connections from 23 European cities to Belize via Montreal, with extra seats on its Toronto–Belize service—great news for winter travelers planning fewer layovers. Rescue at Sea: Belize Coast Guard rescued seven people (including two minors) after a vessel began taking on water near San Pedro, coordinating with nearby boats to avoid loss of life. Tourism Leadership: FEDECATUR re-elected Efren Pérez for another term, keeping Belize at the center of Central American tourism talks on better air/ground connectivity. Marine Planning: Stakeholders reviewed draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan zoning tied to the Blue Bond goal of protecting 30% of marine space, balancing conservation with fishing and tourism. Environment Watch: A six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye is aimed at letting habitats recover—especially for manatees. Local Safety & Access: Police reported a fatal crash in Belmopan involving a Belmopan businessman, while drone operators say civil aviation rules are moving too fast without proper consultation. Hotel Buzz: Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” highlights standout stays worldwide, reinforcing what Belize visitors increasingly look for—unique, review-loved experiences.

Air Connectivity Boost: BermudAir is expanding winter service with new routes that include Belize, plus Turks & Caicos, Anguilla and Guatemala City—good news for travelers as Belize navigates lost budget-carrier capacity. Tourism Leadership: FEDECATUR re-elected Belize’s Efren Pérez for another term, keeping Belize at the center of regional tourism talks on connectivity and cross-border travel. Ambergris Caye Growth: Plans for major northern Ambergris Caye upgrades include new schools and an international airport concept moving forward with IDB support. Sustainable Ocean Planning: Fishing and tourism stakeholders reviewed draft zoning under the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, aiming to meet the Blue Bond goal of protecting 30% of marine space. Coastal Protection Move: Government implemented a six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye to help habitats recover—especially for manatees. Maritime Training: Barbados Community College launched online maritime courses, with interest reported from across the region including Belize. Local Tourism Pulse: A “Doctor Love” column says San Pedro’s “slow season” feels earlier, likely tied to faster growth in accommodations and competition for the same visitor spend. Wildlife & Reef Safety: A Belize-focused hunt for invasive lionfish and broader conservation efforts highlight how tourism and marine health are linked.

Air Access & Routes: BermudAir is expanding winter service with new nonstop links to Turks & Caicos, Belize, and Anguilla, plus growth to Guatemala City—good news for travelers looking beyond the usual connections. Tourism Pulse: A “Doctor Love” column says San Pedro’s “slow season” may feel earlier because the destination has grown fast, with more businesses chasing the same visitor demand. Marine Protection & Tourism: Stakeholders reviewed the draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, aiming to balance fishing and tourism while meeting the Blue Bond goal of protecting 30% of marine space. Environment Watch: A six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye is underway, with local voices urging enforceable recovery time for manatees and other wildlife. Indigenous Land Rights: Indigenous communities are pushing back on government land plans affecting Maya customary tenure and Garifuna village boundaries. Safety/Health: A major U.S. screwworm detection in Texas is raising regional concern, since the pest has been spreading in the Americas. Local Community: San Pedro High School marked its 50th graduation milestone, reflecting on the school’s education legacy.

Tourism Pulse: Belize’s tourism sector gets a regional boost as FEDECATUR re-elects Efren Pérez for another term, with priorities including better air/ground connectivity and easier cross-border travel. Air Access: BermudAir keeps expanding its Caribbean reach, adding winter nonstop service to Turks & Caicos, Belize, and Anguilla from multiple U.S. gateways—plus new links to Guatemala City—promising more options for winter travelers. Infrastructure Watch: Ambergris Caye’s international airport project is moving forward, with updated designs reportedly accepted by the IDB and plans aimed at high-end arrivals via private and charter flights. Marine & Nature: Stakeholders review the draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan as Belize works toward Blue Bond goals, while a six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye is framed as a needed recovery break for manatees and other wildlife. Policy & Safety: The OSH bill is delayed again in the Senate, and Belize’s drone industry pushes back on proposed rules, saying consultation is being rushed. Community & Culture: Indigenous communities raise concerns over government land plans affecting Maya customary tenure and Garifuna village boundaries.

Air Connectivity Boost: BermudAir is expanding winter routes with new nonstop service to Belize from multiple U.S. cities, including Boston (only nonstop to Belize from there), plus St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE) and other Florida and Mid-Atlantic gateways—more options for visitors heading to the islands. Ocean & Fishing Planning: Stakeholders reviewed the draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan (BSOP), with proposed marine zoning aimed at meeting the Blue Bond goal of protecting 30% of marine space while balancing fishing and tourism. Coastal Environment Watch: A six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye is underway, with local voices urging real enforcement to help habitats recover. Tourism Leadership: Belize’s Efren Pérez has been confirmed for another term as FEDECATUR president, keeping Belize in the regional tourism leadership spotlight. Health Alert for Travelers: PAHO is warning that rising measles cases plus big international travel could increase risk around major events like the 2026 World Cup—vaccination checks matter for visitors. Drone Industry Concern: Belize’s drone operators say civil aviation rules are being rushed and consultation is lacking, raising uncertainty for aerial tourism and filming.

Indigenous Land Rights: Indigenous leaders in Belize are pushing back on government plans that could reshape control of traditional lands, including Maya customary land tenure legislation and proposed village boundary definitions affecting Garifuna territories along the Placencia Peninsula and Stann Creek coast. Marine Protection & Tourism: Stakeholders from fishing and tourism sectors met in Belize City to review the draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, part of the Blue Bond push to protect at least 30% of marine space while balancing conservation with livelihoods. Coastal Recovery Watch: A six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye is underway, with conservationists urging strict, enforceable action to help habitats recover. Air Access Boost: BermudAir is expanding winter routes with new nonstop service to Belize from multiple US gateways and additional international links via St. Pete-Clearwater, making it easier for visitors to reach Belize’s resorts. Health Alert for Travelers: PAHO is warning that rising measles cases across the Americas plus increased travel could raise risks around major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging stronger surveillance and vaccination access. Resort Growth: Remington Hospitality has taken over management of Aruna Resort & Villas on Ambergris Caye, signaling continued investment in Belize’s leisure accommodation market. Drone Rules Clash: Belize’s drone industry group says it’s being rushed into new drone coexistence restrictions without proper consultation, raising concerns for operators and the wider tourism-adjacent drone sector.

Drone Rules Clash: Belize National Unmanned Aircraft System Industry Association says the Department of Civil Aviation isn’t properly consulting drone operators and is pushing rushed restrictions, after a stalled FOI request. Lagoon Protection: A six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye is meant to let habitats recover, with local conservationists urging real enforcement. Ocean Planning: Fishing and tourism stakeholders met in Belize City to review draft zoning under the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, tied to the Blue Bond 30% marine protection target. Air Access Boost: BermudAir is expanding winter routes with new nonstop service to Belize from multiple U.S. cities, including St. Pete-Clearwater, plus broader Caribbean links. Tourism Leadership: FEDECATUR confirmed Efren Pérez for another term, keeping Belize prominent in regional tourism coordination. Health Alert for Travelers: PAHO warns measles risk could rise with World Cup travel, urging stronger surveillance and vaccination access. Resort Management: Remington Hospitality took over Aruna Resort & Villas on Ambergris Caye, aiming to improve operations and growth. Sports & Youth Funding Debate: Tourism and Sports Minister Anthony Mahler backs a pause to reevaluate the LIU youth program and questions its spending priorities.

Airlift Boost for Belize: BermudAir is expanding its winter network with new nonstop routes to Belize from multiple U.S. hubs, including St. Pete–Clearwater (PIE), where international service returns after a gap, plus direct options from Boston, Raleigh-Durham, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando Sanford, and PIE—tickets are set to go on sale this week. Ambergris Caye Growth: Plans for major northern Ambergris Caye projects are moving ahead, including new schools and an approved international airport design expected to support private jets, domestic/regional flights, and charters. Tourism Leadership: Belize’s Efren Pérez has been re-elected for another term as FEDECATUR president, keeping the country at the center of regional tourism coordination. Sports & Youth Funding Debate: Tourism and Sports Minister Anthony Mahler backs a pause-and-review of the LIU youth program, arguing Belize needs longer-term safety nets beyond temporary paid work. Health Alert for Travelers: PAHO is warning that rising measles cases and increased travel could raise risks around major events like the 2026 World Cup, urging stronger surveillance and vaccination access. Resort Management Move: Remington Hospitality has taken over Aruna Resort & Villas on Ambergris Caye, aiming to improve operations and grow the property’s performance. Coastal Protection: Government temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas while it develops a plan with coastal communities and environmental agencies.

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.