Background Information

The accommodation sector of Belize's tourism has experienced significant growth in property number (over 230%) and bed space (over 250%) in the past 10 years. In 2008 a little over 600 properties were operating as registered accommodation providers with the highest concentration of hotels, resorts, cabins and cabañas, found in the areas of Ambergris Caye, Placencia and Cayo District. When considered by category or type of accommodation, Belize's accommodation stock is characterized primarily by small boarding/guesthouses and small hotels and resorts with the average size per property maintained at just over 10 rooms.

Responsibility for the regulation of the operations and management of all hotels and tourist accommodation in Belize is undertaken by the Office of the Registrar of Hotels and Tourists Accommodation in the Belize Tourism Board, based on the Hotels and Tourist Accommodations Act, Chapter 285 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2003.

There is currently no systematic classification system in place for the hotel sector. Benefits of developing such a system span the private sector, the Belize Tourism Board and the tourist/visitor, including a rise in quality and standards, honest and consistent representation thus improving the client-product match and increased customer satisfaction, improved staff performance, and marketing confidence and benefits. A study prepared for the Inter American Development Bank in 2006 stated that "the implementation of a classification system will assist greatly with legislation, policy making, and management of this sector". (Geban,K ; Yearwood, S.)

STP INVESTMENT:

The STP is proposing to finance the development of a national Hotel Rating/Classification System to enhance the overnight tourism sector, assist in marketing, raise quality standards and build sector capacity.

Project Status:

Concept paper currently under development.