Xunantunich shuts down for two weeks
That tournament has come to a close and in less than a month the Mayan calendar also winds down. And by no cosmic relation, the Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve is also on lock down. Visitors to the site are advised that the site will be closed from December twelfth to the twenty-sixth, in order to organize the launch of an upcoming international music festival which will also promote Belize as a key tourism destination. A release issued by the Institute of Archaeology earlier today states that the event will serve to raise much needed funds that will be used in the conservation of Belize’s cultural heritage and its national parks. While Xunantunich will remain closed, all other sites, including Cahal Pech, El Pilar, Caracol, as well as ATM and Barton Creek Caves will remain open during this period.
Shut down hmmmm?
Wow!! Who’s thinking?? The most time in Belize’s history the onset of the Mayan Baktun and the Christmas Holiday where tourism will be at it’s peak, especially in CAYO. The most tourists in Belize and some smart person at the top wants to close Xunantunich. How about all the tourists that have been told by Travel Channel , Belize is the number 1 destination for Apocalypse Tourism?? How about the tours already booked by the tour operators and cruise ships will have to return the money for this tour! ??
January lull in Belize has a dramatic loss in tourism for about ,heyy…..you guessed…2 weeks.!
Another brilliant move by the minds that run Belize.
Why anyone would want to close a Maya site on Dec 21, 2012 or the days leading up to it is beyond me.
… so… ok… but… really?! the lack of planning and utter ignorance of organizations truly baffle me.
Absolutely ridiculous !!! I was thinking of going to Belize next week but it looks like I was a fool to even consider it.
This is the by far the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.
One of, if not the best, Mayan site closed at such a world famous time? Is there more to this than they are saying?
Could it be closed to the public, but family and friends of
VIP’s are welcome? Come on, best rethink this.
A large amount of revenue is generated from this site YET how has Succotz benefited? As a resident of this village, we need to start demanding a portion of EVERY entrance fee to fix up and upgrade our drains and streets. Every day hundreds of visitors come to this site but NO funds from the direct ticket sales stay in the area!
this is absolutely rediculous…. i love the idea as the site for a indigenous music festival, but to shut down one of the most accessible sites on what is probably one of the most important mayan dates is beyond explanation… idiots! stupid stupid stupid stupid stupid
We the San Jose Succotz Villagers do have an issue with the closure of our mayan site Xunantunich. we do not know anything, no consultation, no information,,, NADA, NICH- we demand respect to our villager and more information. The Tourism season is just starting and our local vendor do earn a living by selling their local crafts to our visitor. Where will they go a sell it? no cruise ship? We do not see revenue benefiting the village.. we have made several petitions to Government, and NADA> Wake up my friend. nothing of that nonsense…. until NICH comes with BLACK & WHITE a good project for Succotz. Then……..
We do have site guide, local arts &Crafts – what will they do? where will they go?
NICH- This is the by far the most crazy and childish thing I have ever heard that you are doing.
Xunantunich, the best, Mayan site closed at such a world famous time? We do have the slow season to do all this nonsense, not on high season. where are the operators, you have have sold your packages for this dates, will you refund their money? we will loose visitors and quest. Belize is the number one for the December activity.
Its is crazy but im surprised this is not a Wilson Pat doing. Stop pretending you didn’t know, or maybe you should attend your village council meetings. Once you got elected your agenda has been to personally benefit from events, close roads and and get away with parcels or land without thinking of the villagers you represent. Its christmas time and maybe this a way to get your minister to come give you some cash to keep your mouth shut as usual.
Locked Down. wtf really! and for 2 weeks
The most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.
Anyone who truly respects archeology would understand the sensitivity and concern around allowing thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) of people come to this area to have a festival. While I’d imagine, most people would treat the site with care, there are always people who selfishly do things that could create harm to themselves, others, and the site.