Are Bookings Being Cancelled Due to Lack of Insurance Portal?

Anthony Mahler

A travel insurance portal is still in the works and expected to be ready by early next week, in time for February fifteenth when the requirement comes into effect. But some hotels say cancelations are already rolling in because the portal is not up and running. Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler says the delay is giving insurance companies the opportunity to satisfy the provisions to become an option for visitors on the portal.

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations

“I don’t agree with that. If that is the case then we will have to talk to those properties. But as I understand it, the portal should be up by early next week, well in advance of the February fifteenth launch date.”

Reporter

“Don’t you think it is too reduced of a time because obviously travellers plan their trips way ahead?”

Anthony Mahler

“No, but the insurance is just being purchased. They can still plan to come to Belize. They can purchase anything, takes seconds.”

Reporter

“And the portal is needed for what purpose?”

Anthony Mahler

“To purchase the insurance.”

Reporter

“But then you said that it wasn’t going to be localised. That they could purchase international insurance.”

Anthony Mahler

“Yes, but it depends on which insurance. The insurance has to be approved by the B.T.B. because not all international insurance has the cancelation policy. There is no exclusivity. The insurance is open to any company that meets the requirements that B.T.B. has established, including a cancelation policy. That is a critical part of what we want as a part of this insurance policy.”