Belize is a Leader in Sustainability

Belize is a Leader in Sustainability

The United Nations defined “sustainability” as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” 

Sustainability has become a popular buzzword in both the tourism and real estate industries. That said there are countries that take more action when it comes to environmental policies and sustainability. Countries, like Belize, have programs in place to help protect the environment, and culture and reduce the ecological impact. Belize is leading the way when it comes to environmental policies and sustainability (according to Forbes).

Many countries in the region of Caribbean & Central America depend on tourism dollars as their primary source of income and GDP. Belize is a country that has a lot of its economy centered around tourism. Much of the tourism to Belize is around the country’s natural ecosystem including the Belize Barrier Reef & lush Rainforest Jungles. Preserving the environment of Belize is not only the right thing to do, but it also makes good economic sense based on the country’s tourism sector.

Belize is located in Central America on the Caribbean side, just south of Mexico (below the Yucatan Peninsula) because of this, Belize has a decidedly Caribbean feel and culture. The geographical location and Caribbean Culture (also being English Speaking)is appealing to visitors and tourists who want to go snorkeling, diving, and fishing in some of the most beautiful water in the world and along the world’s largest living reef. Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world (the largest living reef). It has a plethora of islands off the coast, including Ambergris Caye (the largest island and most popular destination in Belize) with rainforests blanketing the mainland.

With the environment being a large tourism driver, Belize has set up several programs to not only attract travelers but to protect the land and its ecosystem.

For example, Belize has put in programs to protect endangered species such as the Jaguar, also partnering with the Maya Forest Corridor, protecting landscapes from Belize’s Maya Mountains, through the tri-national Maya forest. This region which consists of Belize, Mexico, and Guatemala is the most extensive continuous stretch of jungle in Central America.

More than 70% of Belize is forested, these lush rainforests make the Belize jungle a mecca for wildlife. Belize has also dedicated that 46% of the country is protected National Park & Marine Reserve. Because of this, Belize has over a hundred protected areas, both on land and around the reef.

Belize is also at the forefront of leading cultural sustainability, with efforts to support local community tourism so travelers can engage with and learn about the local Mayan & Garifuna cultures. Belize has a rich history filled with cultural diversity. The plethora of Mayan Temples are all protected and are a key part of Belizean Heritage.

 

Sustainability of the Reef & Ocean

The Belize Barrier Reef is the country’s largest attraction and something natural to the region. Because of this, Belize is very active in preserving the water and coastline. There are a number of protected areas and Marine Reserves (including Hol Chan and the popular Attols). Belize has also banned all commercial fishing from its water, as well as banned commercial drilling from the coastline.

The waters and reefs along the East Coast of Belize and extending the entire coastline host a diverse variety of marine life, from sting rays, manatees, sea turtles, and colorful corals. The Belize Barrier Reef draws scuba divers, snorkelers, fishermen, and water enthusiasts from all over the world. Belize has a reef protection and sustainable tourism program to go along with the “Blue Economy Initiative“, these programs include a new diving site where divers can explore the marine life and waters while reducing strain on these radiant reefs and eco-systems.

Belize has put in place a law and moratorium on offshore oil exploration and drilling in the entirety of Belizean waters. The reef is an integral part of many Belizeans’ livelihoods, whether in the fishing industry or tourism industry, and preserving that water is a key sustainability effort.

Belize also has the Fish Right, Eat Right program which has a commitment to sustainable seafood. The program was created to control illegal fishing and promote best practices in fisheries. Many restaurants, especially in Ambergris Caye, have signed up for the program and have been sourcing seafood responsibly and through local vendors. The program initially targeted restaurants and hotels but is slated to include cooperatives, fish markets, supermarkets, and other seafood purveyors within Belize.

 

Belize Sustainability Programs

Ecotourism thrives in Belize with environmental activities, including hiking to waterfalls, horseback riding, ziplining through the canopies, and visiting wildlife sanctuaries. Belize is known to be a culinary destination and is actually devoid of chain restaurants, with locally produced food and popular local restaurants, travelers can enjoy the food and Belizean culture.

Recently, eco-resorts in Belize have become increasingly popular as they prioritize sustainability as their basis in all things they do.

 

If you are looking to learn more about Belize’s sustainability efforts or would like to explore Belize real estate and investment opportunities contact REMAX Belize!

Forbes Lists Belize & Ambergris Caye Among Best Beach Destinations for Families

Belize Ranks Among Forbes Best Beach Destinations

 

Wendy Altschuler a travel writer for Forbes who covers travel, adventure, and culture across the globe, wrote an article on January 28, 2023, on The 9 Best Beach Destinations For Families with one of the 9 destinations being Belize, and more specifically, Ambergris Caye.

Forbes, the rеnоwnеd buѕіnеѕѕ аnd trаvеl mаgаzіnе, hаѕ lіѕtеd Веlіzе аѕ оnе оf thе bеѕt bеасh dеѕtіnаtіоnѕ fоr fаmіlіеѕ (one of the nine locations mentioned in the article). Fоrbеѕ lіѕtеd Ѕаn Реdrо Аmbеrgrіѕ Сауе hаѕ а “mаgісаl аnd full оf fаmіlу-frіеndlу wоndеr”.

Wendy Altschuler with Forbes said in the article;

“Magical and full of family-friendly wonder, Ambergris Caye has it all. Rent a golf cart, the only way to travel all over the island, and visit Secret Beach (not all that secret), where you can spend the day swimming in the warm water, snorkeling, boating, or enjoying good food. Visitors can also enjoy the underwater world in the pristine waters of Belize. In San Pedro Town, be sure to stop at Caye Coffee Roasting Company; Belize Chocolate Company; and the food truck haven, The Truck Stop.”

It is amazing to see Ambergris Caye get global recognition from Forbes and rank among the top 9 beach destinations for families. Belize has entered the world’s radar, continuing to be featured in major publications around the globe. The Belize Barrier Reef remains the country’s top tourism driver, but the fact our beaches are ranked among the top for families is a further reason so many people visit Belize each year.

The article by Forbes listed other top beach destinations for families as well, and Ambergris Caye ranked among the likes of; The Bahamas, Maldives, Puerto Vallarta, Grenada, Maui, St. Kitts and Nevis, Seaside (Florida), and Cavallo Point (California).

 

Ambergris Caye Real Estate

With all the publicity going towards Ambergris Caye, the real estate market continues to grow. Publications like Forbes reach an international audience. The more people learn about Belize, the more tourism comes to Ambergris Caye. There is. a direct correlation between tourism numbers and real estate values. With higher visibility and recognition, tourism will grow. As tourism grows, so will the demand for nightly vacation rentals. There is a direct correlation between tourism growth and real estate appreciation. If you are looking at owning property or investing in Ambergris Caye Real Estate contact RE/MAX Belize!

 

Belize Travel & Visa Requirements

Belize Travel & Visa Requirements

Belize is a very easy country to travel to and US & Canadian travelers do not require any visas when traveling to Belize. Actually, most countries and passports are able to travel to Belize freely and without a visa for 30 days.

If you are visiting Belize as a tourist, you do not require a visa. When you enter Belize, you are issued a 30-day tourist visa in your passport. If visitors planning to stay longer than 30 days, they must have their passport re-stamped by a local immigration office. If you are extending your Belize stay longer than 30 days, the passport must be issued a new stamp, and pay an additional fee for every additional month they wish to stay. Visitors are able to continue to renew their tourist visa if they want to stay in Belize, without restrictions on length (as long as they get their visa renewed).

This makes it very easy for people planning on relocating to Belize as they have no restrictions when it comes to the length of stay and duration. You can continue to renew your Belize tourist visa every month or have a new stamp every time you leave Belize and travel back.

 

Do I Require a Passport to Travel to Belize?

If you are visiting Belize as a tourist, you must have a valid passport and the passport must be valid for more than 6 months.

 

Do I Require a Visa to Travel to Belize?

There is no Visa or Travel Visa required when traveling to Belize. When you enter Belize (by air, land, or sea) you are issued a tourist visa for 30 days. You can renew this visa every month at a local immigration office. Some countries have a maximum of 30 days without a visa and no visa is required for Belize travel.

Please keep in mind that while a visa is not required, travelers to Belize must have:

  • Hold a valid passport that is still valid for at least six months on entry
  • The passport must have one blank visa page
  • Hold proof of onward/return flights
  • Hold all documents required for the next destination (if you are connecting to somewhere else)
  • You may be asked for proof of sufficient funds relative to your intended length of stay

 

Visitors and travelers to Belize from the US & Canada will learn how easy travel to Belize really is. Canadian & American travelers must possess a passport valid for a period of a minimum of 30 days if the person is not traveling in transit to a third country that requires six months validity. This is attractive to many tourists as North Americans visiting Belize are only required to have a passport for 30-day validity.

In addition to a valid passport, tourists visiting Belize must have a return ticket with sufficient funds to cover their stay. When arriving in Belize, visitors are given a one-month stay, after which an extension can be applied for with the Immigration Department. Most of the top destinations and municipalities have a local immigration office that can renew tourist visa. For example in San Pedro & Ambergris Caye, the office is right across from the Tropic Air terminal.

Visitors who are citizens from the United States and its territories, Canada, the United Kingdom and its territories, European Union, Caribbean, and Central American countries do not require any visas when traveling to Belize. For visitors driving/boating into Belize from Guatemala or Mexico, a temporary importation permit for the vehicle (boat or vehicle) must be secured at the point of entry. This permit is valid for 30 days. No specific immunizations are required for visitors to Belize.

If you will be staying and visiting Belize longer than 30 days, you will need to visit an Immigration Office to extend your stay in Belize. Most towns and destinations have a local immigration office that can facilitate the process and renewal. The permit required to extend your stay in Belize beyond 30 days is the ‘Belize Visitor’s Permit Extension.’

Exemption for Belize Entry Visa:

  • If you hold a valid multiple entry visa or Permanent Residence Card from the United States of America.
  • If you hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa
  • If you hold a valid multiple entry visa or Permanent Residence Card from Canada

 

American Entry / Exit Requirements to Belize

All U.S. citizens traveling to Belize must have a valid passport. Belize does not require US Passport Holders to apply for or have a visa. There are no visas required for citizens of the United States for tourist visits of up to 30 days.

U.S. citizens traveling with a minor may be asked by Belize immigration officials to show U.S. birth certificates. When children and minors are not traveling with both parents, immigration officials (in any jurisdiction) often request signed documentation to establish the children are traveling with the permission of both parents.  Examples of documentation may include notarized letters from the parent(s), custody or adoption papers, or death certificates in situations where one or both parents are deceased.

 

Visa Requirements by Country

To learn more about Belize visa requirements and if you require a Visa to visit Belize. Check on your country of nationality to see if you require a visa to visit Belize in the link below.

Search Belize Visa Requirements by Country

 

Introducing San Pedro Belize Public Transportation

San Pedro Belize Public Transportation

As San Pedro Town and the island of Ambergris Caye continue to grow and expand (both in population and tourism), there is an increased need for more services. One of the newly proposed services includes an easier and more affordable way to get around the island. This is the newly proposed public transportation system. A private entity, Taly Corporation, has been actively working on a public transportation system and route for San Pedro & Ambergris Caye going from Mahogany Bay through San Pedro Town, continuing north and heading west to Secret Beach. The Taly Corporation is looking to invest in and set up the Ambergris Caye public transportation system to make it easier and more affordable for people to get around the island (both locals and tourists). The proposed plan will have a portion of the public transportation profits go to a non-profit organization and charities on Ambergris Caye until the initial capital investment is met.

The proposed public transportation project would be under the San Pedro Public Transport Company Ltd. The proposal for the public transportation system is yet to be approved. The plan is to offer island residents and tourists public transportation options besides only taxis or golf cart rentals. Below you can see the current types of transportation used in San Pedro with the % of total use;

 

San Pedro Ambergris Caye

San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye, Belize, as of 2015 had an estimated population of approximately 16,444 people. Since then the population has grown with an even higher volume of expats and tourists. Ambergris Caye as a destination (for tourism and residency) has experienced incredible growth over the last 5 to 15 years. From 2017 to 2022 (5 years) Ambergris Caye has seen tourism grow at a rate of 14.6% per year (over double-digit annual growth). Over the same 5 years, Ambergris Caye has seen a population growth rate of over 8% per year, and in the previous 10 years, prior Ambergris Caye and San Pedro experienced an annual population growth rate of 17%. It is estimated that up to 25% more people reside on Ambergris Caye on a part-time basis. The growth in population and tourism has led to the proposed public transportation system.

The public transportation proposal will not require any public funding from the Belizean or the municipality of San Pedro Town. All profits will be donated to local charities and non-profit organizations.

The public transportation system proposed by Taly Corporation will include multiple pricing options, with reduced fares for students, seniors, and people with disabilities. There will also be monthly public transportation passes available as well as single-ride fares.

 

The Vehicles

The vehicles proposed for the public transportation project are 14–16-seater shuttle buses. The plan is to have the shuttles operating 24/7.

 

The Public Transportation Routes

The proposed public transportation route will include 20 designated bus stops. The stops will go from Mahogany Bay Village in the south and up to the North at the turnoff to Secret Beach and over to the West Coast. The proposed route will go to and from Mahogany Bay to Secret Beach with 20 total stops. You can see the proposed stops and route below;

 

The fleet size, the number of vehicles, and the frequency of trips will increase over time as the demand grows. For more information on Belize and Ambergris Caye infrastructure or to learn more about Belize Real Estate contact us at RE/MAX Belize!

 

The Belize Barrier Reef

The Belize Barrier Reef

The Belize Barrier Reef or Belize Reef is a coral reef system that extends the entire coast of Belize. The Belize reef (also known as Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System) is a 300-kilometer or 190 miles long. The Belize Reef is without a doubt the #1 tourist attraction in Belize. The Belize reef is roughly 980 ft (or 300 meters) from the East Coast of Ambergris Caye (in the northernmost area of Belize) and 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the coast of the Southern areas of Belize (Placencia & Punta Gorda). Even though the Belize Reef is mostly in Belize, it is referred to as the Mesoamerican Reef since it is continuous from the Cancun reef system on the northeastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula and continues down towards Honduras. The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest coral reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Even though it is the second largest reef in the world, it is the largest living reef.

The Belize Barrier Reef is the top tourist destination and attraction in Belize. It is world-renowned for scuba diving and snorkeling. The Belize reef alone is responsible for attracting almost half of Belize’s tourism. It is also vital to the fishing industry in Belize. It is important to note that as part of reef conservation, Belize has banned all commercial fishing and off-shore oil exploration and drilling.

 

Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System

The coastal area of Belize is picturesque (both above and below the surface of the water). The Belize reef is an outstanding natural ecosystem system consisting of the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere and western hemisphere. The Belize reef has numerous offshore atolls, several hundred islands, and lush mangroves. The Belize reef creates a unique habitat that is home to many threatened species, including marine turtles, and manatees.

The Belize Barrier Reef, which became a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, is comprised of seven protected areas, which include; Bacalar Chico National Park (North Ambergris Caye) and Marine Reserve, The Great Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye, South Water Caye, Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve, Laughing Bird Caye, and Sapodilla Cayes.

The Belize Reef is also home to the popular Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a marine reserve close to Ambergris Caye just off the southern coast of Ambergris Caye (near San Pedro). Hol Chan Marine Reserve covers approximately 18 km² (7 miles²) and is made up of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests.

The Belize Barrier Reef is the largest reef system in the Atlantic-Caribbean region it represents the second-largest reef system in the world. The seven protected areas that constitute the Belize Reef comprise 12% of the entire Reef Complex.

The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is one system comprised of seven protected areas and marine reserves located along the length of Belize. It is the largest barrier reef in the Northern hemisphere and represents all the main reef and coastal habitats. The network of protected areas within the Belize reef is large enough to maintain the necessary ecological environment. The geographic spread and diversity of the Belize Reef enhance its resilience, which is an essential factor when mitigating the environmental impacts of climate change, global warming, the potential risk of coral bleaching, and rising sea levels. The Belize Reef system also helps with the mitigation of storm damage and hurricane impact in Belize as the reef breaks up any large waves and potential storm surges.

 

Belize Reef & Belize Atolls

An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef, island, or series of islets. Including a coral rim that encircles a lagoon. The atoll surrounds a body of water called a lagoon. An atoll is a ring-shaped island formed of coral that surrounds a lagoon. As reef-building corals thrive only in warm waters, atolls are only found in tropical destinations with large reef systems.

An Atoll is formed when an underwater volcano erupts, which creates a seamount under the surface of the water. As the seamount builds, it rises above the water and becomes an island. Over time, reefs and corals grow around the island and the volcanic soil erodes away, leaving behind a circular reef and a large lagoon at the center. An Atoll takes thousands of years to create.

Belize is home to three of the four atolls in the Western Hemisphere. The fourth atoll in the Western Hemisphere is located in Banco Chinchorro in Mexico. The three atolls located off the coast of Belize are Glover’s Reef Atoll, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, and Turneffe Atoll. Lighthouse Atoll near Ambergris Caye is home to the famous Belize Great Blue Hole.

 

What is an Atoll?

 

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

The Belize Reef is home to the popular Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is one of the most popular dive and snorkeling spots in Belize and Ambergris Caye. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a marine reserve close to Ambergris Caye just off the southern coast of San Pedro Town. Hol Chan Marine Reserve covers approximately 18 km² (7 miles²) and is made up of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. In the Mayan language “Hol Chan” translates to “little channel”. Hol Chan is also home to Shark Ray Alley (which became part of the marine reserve in 1999).

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve was established as a marine protected area in 1987 under the Fisheries Act (Statutory Instrument # 57) Laws of Belize. It incorporates the southernmost marine and coastal areas of Ambergris Caye including the barrier reef, seagrass beds, and mangrove islands. Hol Chan is divided into four zones which include no-take areas and zones that regulate and promote sustainable fishing practices. The reserve was originally divided into four areas:

  • Zone A includes the inside and outside of the reef (part of the Belize Barrier Reef).
  • Zone B covers the seagrass beds inside the reef.
  • Zone C covers the mangrove swamps of southern Ambergris Caye.
  • Zone D covers Shark Ray Ally which was added in 1999.

 

 

The Belize Reef system is the largest tourism driver in Belize as it attracts tourists from around the world for fishing, scuba diving & snorkeling. For more information on Belize or to learn about Belize real estate and Belize investment properties contact us at RE/MAX Belize.

 

 

Belize Tourism Rebounds in 2022

The latest statistics for Belize tourism from the BTB (Belize Tourism Board) provide a clear indication that Belize tourism is moving fast on its path to recovery after the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic. According to their latest number and figures, tourism in 2022 shows that Belize is nearly at pre-COVID numbers and overnight tourist arrivals to Belize totaled almost 300,000 (January to August), the largest number of overnight visitors recorded since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2022.

Overall, Belize’s tourism in 2022 is at 81% of peak tourism in 2018 & 2019. Which is up 281% (nearly 3x) from 2020 and up 185% (nearly double) than 2021 tourism. This shows that Belize’s tourism is at pre-COVID numbers.

 

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) states that it remains committed to improving Belize tourism stating that – “Together, we will aggressively and effectively promote Belize as the leading tourism destination and achieve full recovery of the industry for the benefit of both Belizeans and visitors.”

With the steady growth in tourism through the first 8-months of the year, the outlook remains positive as Belize’s tourism industry rebounds strongly. Coming into high season, Belize is seeing almost all international flights returning and flight routes have been reestablished.

Belize was one of the best-kept secrets in the Caribbean & Central America. Now the word is out, and Belize has emerged as a ‘must-see’ destination. Belize has something for everyone and is undoubtedly a unique and unforgettable getaway. From the lush jungles and rainforests on the mainland to the tropical Caribbean beaches on the Cayes (islands). Belize is the perfect place to explore or relax near the beach. With the resurgence of tourism, Belize also offers the perfect opportunity for people looking for a cash-flow vacation rental property. People come to Belize for the beaches but often stay for the people and culture.

Though Belize is a small country, it felt a huge impact in the wake of the global pandemic. With so much of the economy dependent on tourism, we are excited to see that Belize tourism has rebounded in 2022 and continues to grow into the next year (2023). Belize’s borders are open, and we are thrilled to welcome travelers back. As COVID restrictions have gone away, Belize tourism is trending upward, and there is no better time than now to start planning your Belize vacation. With tourism coming back the opportunities for Belize real estate investments are abundant. For more information on Belize travel and Belize real estate opportunities contact RE/MAX Belize!