A SMALL EMERGING NATION MAKES ITS PRESENCE KNOWN

In the face of things, my country, Belize with a robust tourism sector heralds in the hopes of a thriving economy. I want to believe that this is so. So, Let’s look at the plusses and compare the challenges to determine whether the progress of tourism in my country promises sustainable development for the short term or the long haul.?

Offhand, the immediate reaction is that increased tourist arrivals mean business is booming. Statistics reveal that since 2016 to 2019, tourism in our country recorded a steady growth to a point of an amazing 6%+ in comparison to its peers 3-4% in the Caribbean. Businesses simply took off in record numbers with the increase in both cruise and overnight tourism arrivals. The country bloomed in every area of business. Such was reflected in?the many happy, glowing faces of society. Hotels recorded high occupancy rates, the government received a steady increase in taxes from tourist arrivals, there was a huge metamorphosis taking place as evidenced by robust development of high-end projects across the country, especially on the coastal areas. ?

?It was a time of plenty! It had to be When a country can boast of assets that include: One of the world’s greatest wonders that can be seen from the moon, the great Blue Hole, our awesome living Barrier Reef, an amazingly large cave system, Mayan Temples scattered throughout the country plus more still yet to be discovered. In addition, azure waters, pristine white sandy beaches, warm tropical breezes, golden sunshine, fantastic deep sea fishing and snorkeling and diving waters, tropical rainforests where a variety of animal and bird species abound. But to top it all, its geographic location that makes it so easy for the global reach and much, much more.?

Then COVID-19 made its ugly presence known. The glorious, positive climb in the tourism industry practically collapsed during the pandemic period and the after clash was felt countrywide. To keep their doors opened to make ends meet, spurred an amazing coming together of inquiring and creative minds of various sectors = government, regulators, financial institutions, business places, you name it all and a plan of action was born to beat this malignant tumor. It was survival for all!?

Despite the many faces of tragedy and extreme hardship, COVID-19 in its own cruel, twisted way presented us the once in a lifetime opportunity to really get to know our own country. Since international tourists could no longer come visiting, Belizeans then became tourists in their country. Hotels resorted to extreme measures to make accommodations affordable. Thus, the journey to normalcy began. Out of creative minds, many now can smile and live to see a country rejuvenated, bouncing back higher than ever before.?

Four years after 2019, Belize is like a country reborn Its three bones – backbone, wishbone and funny bone were stalwarth supports that allowed such a small country to stand vertical. Belize indeed is a diamond in the mix and under this mantle, continues from where it was harshly interrupted. ?

Forecast statistics promise record-numbers for our country. The ground-breaking of mega-million dollar projects nearly completed send a clear message that says, LOOK OUT WORLD, HERE COMES BELIZE!!! ?

In closing, the reality is there will always be challenges and bottlenecks with progress. But there is nothing that stamina, perseverance, ingenuity and ‘togetherism’ cannot withstand.? ?