Tourism organizations call meeting to combat crime

In related news the Belize Tourism Industry Association along with affiliated hotel, tour operator and ecotourism bodies, has issued a press release expressing outrage at what they call the recent crime wave against both citizens and visitors. To do something about it B.T.I.A. says that, with the support of the Tourist Board, it is exploring ways in which the industry can help the security forces to do their job. A high level meeting is being organized with officials of the ministry, police, B.D.F. and tourism leaders to which the public will also be invited. A date and venue have not yet been determined. A similar crime problem erupted in Belize City in 1994 and out of that dialogue emerged the tourism police. Whether that concept can or will be extended to rural tourism centers — and who will pay for it — is a subject that will no doubt be explored.