Background Information

Tourism is at the forefront of the national economy and one of the main engines of economic growth. However it faces several fundamental challenges which if not addressed could affect its continued contribution to the Belize economy. Recognizing the need to further diversify the tourism product and promote a wider distribution of benefits, complementary investments under the STP will be made in developing new products, strengthening institutional capacity and coordination (specifically targeting the way key institutions coordinate initiatives among themselves and with private investors, conduct market research and monitor performance of the sector), and in capacity building within two emerging destinations based on their market potential and social needs.

STP INVESTMENT:

• Integrated Tourism Data System
  Project Status: Draft Terms of Reference under review
• Capacity building within the emerging destinations of Hopkins and Toledo (developing mechanisms for visitors to access Maya and Garifuna Cultures, and including a needs assessment and training activities in areas such as destination marketing and management).
  Project Status: Scheduled to begin March 2010
• Hotel Classification System
  Project Status: Concept paper being developed
• Matching Grant Facility (with emphasis on activities within the emerging destinations)
  Project Status: Scheduled to begin June 2010