By Belize Live News Staff: Belize’s territorial sovereignty became an unexpected issue at the World Travel Market in London after Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler challenged a map displayed at Guatemala’s exhibition booth that appeared to depict Belize as part of Guatemalan territory.
The incident occurred during one of the world’s largest international tourism trade shows, where Belize is promoting its attractions to travel professionals, airlines and tourism companies.
According to reports, the map at Guatemala’s booth showed Belize separated by dotted lines and marked with a different pattern, raising concerns that it represented another assertion of Guatemala’s longstanding territorial claim.
Mahler raised the issue during a ministerial panel discussion, publicly drawing attention to the display.
Following the discussion, the minister personally approached the Guatemalan exhibition to address the matter.
The incident comes as Belize and Guatemala continue pursuing a resolution to their territorial dispute through the International Court of Justice.
Despite the controversy, Belize has also been celebrating international recognition in London, having received the Gold award for Most Desirable Emerging Destination at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards.
The developments highlight a week in which Belize has been promoting its tourism industry internationally while continuing to defend its sovereignty.
