IDB Gives Support to Develop and Expand Tourism in Belize

The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Tourism and the BTB with the support of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) formally announced via a press conference, its plans to improve infrastructure in several key tourism destinations. The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Mr. Michael Singh, presented a plan to develop Belize's tourism industry and build a marketing strategy to attract more visitors to Belize.

IDB will assist in this project by providing a loan of US$13.3 million. Belize will be able to expand its tourism industry in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

This Tourism Master Plan will invest in the restoration and improvement of facilities in four highly-sough tourism destinations throughout the country. These will include San Ignacio and surrounding areas in the Cayo District. Such areas consist of Cahal Pech, the municipal airstrip and the Cayo downtown area; San Pedro, Ambergris Caye will benefit from the project utilizing the existing area such as the lagoon area to form an extending beach and include a football field; the Placencia Peninsula in the Stann Creek District will have an expansion on the existing sidewalk along with a new dock equipped with a shopping center; Belize City will also have a new facelift to include a waterfront development strategy which aims at linking the Fort Street pedestrian and beautifying main areas such as North Front Street, Albert Street, and Regent Street.

Cumulatively, these four destinations which form part of the Tourism Master Plan, account for about 64 percent of tourism earnings in Belize. Consultations were held with stakeholders across the country in identifying destination projects that will aid both the communities involved and the necessary infrastructure to support the industry's development.

The IDB provides solutions to development challenges in 26 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, partnering with governments, companies and civil society organizations. They lend money and provide grants.