Belize has unveiled a new tourism strategy in a bid to ensure future success of its integral tourism industry. The landmark five-year plan was developed by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and aims to address concerns that the country is not safe for visitors.
“This strategy reflects Belize’s commitment to delivering a safe, secure and world-class tourism experience,” said tourism minister Anthony Mahler. “It brings together security forces, government agencies, industry stakeholders and our communities in one unified effort to protect what we have built and prepare for the future.”
Currently, the Canadian government advises visitors to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting the Central American country, warning of “high levels of violent crime throughout the country.”
It further warns against non-essential travel to Southside Belize City “due to gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings… Police capacity to respond to violent incidents is limited, and many crimes remain unsolved. Tourists are not usually targeted, but you could find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Additionally, the advisory states that criminals are active around the border with Guatemala, close to tourist sites such as the Mayan ruins at Caracol, and “petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Criminals may target tourists, including at resorts.”
Belize’s new National Tourism Security Strategy 2025-2030 establishes a coordinated national framework to mitigate risks, protect the tourism product, and strengthen visitor confidence across both urban hubs and remote destinations.
Key objectives include:
- Expand the Tourism Police Unit (TPU) by 60% over five years
- Formalize a multi-agency Tourism Safety Forum for oversight and joint decision-making
- Deploy mobile enforcement teams in tourism corridors and high-risk zones
- Upgrade infrastructure with enhanced lighting, surveillance and communications at key sites
- Mandate disaster and emergency contingency plans for all tourism operators
- Strengthen training and capacity-building across the tourism security ecosystem
“Our vision is clear,” said Evan Tillett, Director of Tourism. “Belize will provide a safe and secure visitor experience that fuels economic growth, protects our cultural and environmental assets, and builds international confidence in our destination.”
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