Belize joins Central American tourism initiative

Belize will be working more closely with the other nations of Central America to promote the region’s tourism. That’s the message that emerged from meetings held today between officials of various local tourism industry groups and representatives from regional tourism bodies. Members from the Belize Tourism Industry Association, Tour Guide Association, Tour Operators Association and the Belize Tourism Board attended a presentation this morning given by SICA, the Organisation for Tourism Integration in Central America. SICA’s director, Edgardo Contreras, promoted the advantages offered by membership in his organisation, which Belize joined on January first of this year. Contreras met with tourism minister Mark Espat to review issues of regional marketing, air travel, ground transport and the free flow of tourists in the region. According to Espat around four million tourists visited the seven countries of Central America last year, generating two point six billion dollars in direct receipts. Belize retains its membership in the Caribbean Tourism Organisation and will actively raise its profile in both sub-regional groups.