BELIZE CITY – In an effort to continue fostering an understanding of the cruise industry, its operating practices and to seek further growth and development of the Cruise Industry in Belize, the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Godfrey Smith; Mayor of Belize, Ms. Zenaida Moya; Councilor, Calvert Quilter, BTB Board Members, Mrs. Teresa Parkey and Mr. Russell Longsworth; Registrar of Hotels & Vessels, Lloyd Enriquez; Operations Manager, FSTV, Mr. James Nisbet,; Architect, Mr. Kevin Thurton; Manager Belize Ports Ltd, Mr. Luke Espat; Bakabush Tours, Mr. Tom Wilson; Belcruises, Mr. Tony Novelo; Eurocaribe Shipping, Mr. Mike Williams and Tour Belize Ltd, Mr. Neil Hall met Tuesday, August 15th with 8 delegates in Miami.
The 8- member delegation of the FCCA comprised of representatives from Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International and the President of the FCCA.
The Minister of Tourism, Hon. Godfrey Smith, reassured the FCCA of the Government’s commitment to managing the expectations of both the overnight and cruise tourism sectors.
“The Government of Belize is putting in place the regulatory framework and policies that will aid the co-existence of both tourism sub- sectors and to ensure a reasonable return on investments by stakeholders,” Minister Smith stated.
The Minister also indicated that the Belize Tourism Board and the Belize City Council were currently reviewing several tourism-related projects to enhance the tourism product in Belize City.
Mayor Moya outlined the various projects under consideration. These include beautification projects, a city-based eco-park at Antelope Pond Extension, the redesign of downtown Belize City, rehabilitation of local parks, and the establishment of a craft and vendors market.
This craft market will be financed by the Belize Tourism Board, managed by the Belize City Council; and, will properly accommodate vendors who operate in the adjacent zones of the tourism village.
Mayor Moya assured the FCCA that the City Council was cognizant of the needs of the cruise sector and that her Council will make every effort to address the concerns of the citizens of Belize, while providing a quality experience for visitors.
The private sector partners also outlined their concerns at the decrease of the cruise ship passenger arrival figures and expressed private sector’s commitment to working in conjunction with the FCCA to maximize the cruise tourism potential in Belize. Other issues raised included safety and security concerns, the Cruise Impact Study and the overall management of the cruise industry.
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