Below are procedures for registering and licensing hotels and tourist accommodations according to Chapter 285 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2003.

Procedure for First-Time Registrations

When the prospective hotel or tourist accommodation construction and/or development is completed, ready to publicly advertise, or to open to the public,  a prescribed application form must be obtained from and submitted to the Office of the Registrar of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation or to the Belize Tourism Board.

1. The license application form must be completed in its entirety.  A BZ$25.00 non-refundable application fee, and a license fee of BZ$5.00 for each bedroom must accompany this application. All fees are payable to the Belize Tourism Board.

2. After all applications for registration and license are received, the Registrar shall verify the particulars contained in each application and cause a report or reports to be made (Physical Inspection) as to whether adequate arrangements are available for the compliance with the requirements of minimum standards of service, health, and accommodation prescribed for hotels and tourist accommodation by the Minister.

3. A briefing of the Hotels and Tourist Accommodation Act regulations and compliances, and/or amendments, must be delivered to the prospective proprietor, director, manager, secretary or other similar officer purporting to act in any such capacity, prior to the issue of such hotel and tourist accommodation license.

4. Required attachments to submit (if applicable) may include, copies of:

a) Ownership documents and/or ownership authorization to use the premises for the business of a hotel and tourist accommodation

b) Business Name or Company Incorporation Certificates

c) If property is owned by a company the Articles and Memorandum of Association

d) Passport and residence particulars of owners, managers, or representatives

e) Work permits for all foreign non-resident employees

f) Valid Trade License issued by the respective Town Boards

g) Investment information, the estimated amount spent to develop the business

h) Valid Liquor License, if bar is available

i) Employees Food Handler’s Certificate, Public Health Department or Private Doctor

j) Food Establishment Certificate, Public Health Department, Public Health Officers

k) Service Charge Distribution Scheme, if collected for employees

l) Copy of Development Concession or Fiscal Incentives approval, if applicable

m) Photographs of exterior & interior of building, rooms, landscaping, etc.