By Belize Live News Staff: The Belize Tourism Industry Association says Ambergris Caye needs better services and planning, not a new airport.
At a stakeholder meeting in San Pedro on Monday, industry members reached a clear consensus against the proposed airport near Secret Beach and any connecting bridge from Mexico. They called on government to first tackle the island’s pressing problems.
Their priority list includes:
Infrastructure and traffic congestion.
Garbage management.
Environmental conservation.
Adequate housing for residents.
Health services.
Public safety.
BTIA pointed to World Bank findings that warn San Pedro and Ambergris Caye face risks from unplanned development, inadequate municipal services, pollution and coastal erosion, all of which could make the destination less attractive to visitors.
The association said letting those pressures grow will put tourism’s long term future and the jobs it supports at risk.
Area Representative and Minister Andre Perez told the gathering he does not support closing the downtown John Greif II Airstrip or developing a new airport right now, and stressed that the community must be consulted.
BTIA says it will push for a clear government response and for development decisions based on meaningful consultation, sound planning and the long term interests of residents and the tourism industry.
