Belize tourism stakeholders oppose new aviation security fee

Tourism stakeholders in Belize are raising concerns regarding a new ten-dollar aviation security fee introduced in early August. The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) has expressed opposition to the charge, arguing that it threatens the country’s competitiveness. BTIA President Efren Perez noted that Belize is already perceived as an expensive destination, particularly regarding airfares from the United States. He emphasized that while ten dollars may seem minor, the costs accumulate for families and impact price-sensitive local travelers who rely on domestic flights.

In a separate effort to strengthen the sector, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) recently hosted a stakeholder forum in Belize City. The event brought together hoteliers, tour operators, and other industry members to discuss the current state of tourism and identify growth opportunities. The forum focused on helping local businesses understand major markets in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Latin America, while exploring emerging trends to attract more visitors.