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first phase of its low-income housing program which is aimed at constructing climate-resilient homes. The vision was that these homes do not stop here”. Minister Espat stated, “these homes are just starter homes that come with a set of plans for expansion.” This Government is empowering you the homeowners he stated to the families. “An application form for low-income housing can be gotten at any of the MIDH offices or online via the MIDH website. Once the application has been gotten it is screened so that it can satisfy one of the following criteria: demonstration of extreme levels of poverty, demonstration of not owning a house, or owning a house that is a dilapidated condition, post-Lisa, demonstrate being a single parent or elderly or someone with a disability, and underemployed or unemployed.” He stated. The Approval Committee is made up of a representative from the MIDH, Ministry of Human Development, Ministry of Natural Resources, National Village Council Association, and Ministry of Finance, a member of the Red Cross Society, and from the Religious Community. Last, but not least, Minister Espat noted, “With the budget, BZD$10 million and in this fiscal year (262) two hundred and sixty-two homes will be built – 158 have been handed over already, 50 will be hand over today, 20 apartment units were done in Belize City where there was no access to additional land, and 34 are presently being built. This project started on February 17, 2022 when the contract was signed, and the work start on February 21, 2022. Work was slated to be completed by 20th February 2023 which is a full 19 days ahead of time. The cost of each unit was worked out in a deal that included the land as well for only $45,000. The payment plan is USD$12.50 which is BZD$25.00 weekly which is a total of BZD $100 per month.” This was thanks to Mr. Larry Flowers a Belizean entrepreneur keeping it in the community. This is a first-of-its-kind community as it does not only provide shelter for families but also a semi-income generating via backyard gardening which is fully supported. The community is approximately twenty-five to thirty minutes away from Belize City, fifteen minutes away from the international airport, and an hour from our nation’s capital Belmopan. This is in collaboration with Ayinah farms, MIDH, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise which checks two of the most critical planBelize factors, shelter and income
generating. This means it will bring one form of family farming through orgaContact: Mike Hernandez Jr. Sr. J.P. nized agricultural production which will Media Relations and Communication Officer PHONE: 501-227-2420 501-227-2423 TOLL FREE: 1-800-624-0686 be managed and operated but the ownContact: MikeFAX: Hernandez Jr. Sr. J.P. Contact: Mike Hernandez Jr. pr@belizetourismboard.org Sr. J.P. Officer Media Relations and Communication WEBSITE: travelbelize.org; email: er. Media Relations and Communication Officer TOLL FREE: 1-800-624-0686 PHONE: 501-227-2420 FAX: 501-227-2423 ADDRESS:PHONE: P.O. Box 325, #64 Regent Street, Belize City, Belize. 501-227-2420 FAX:email: 501-227-2423 TOLL FREE: 1-800-624-0686 WEBSITE: travelbelize.org; pr@belizetourismboard.org Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, ADDRESS: P.O. Box 325, #64 Regent Street, Belize City, Belize. WEBSITE: travelbelize.org; email: pr@belizetourismboard.org Minister of Finance, Economic Devel- BELIZE ADDRESS: P.O. Box 325, #64 Regent Street, Belize City, Belize. TOURISM RECOVERS: INDUSTRY POISED FOR FURTHER GROWTH IN 2023 BELIZE TOURISM RECOVERS: INDUSTRY POISED FOR FURTHER GROWTH IN 2023 opment, and Investment, “It’s a hisBELIZE TOURISM RECOVERS: INDUSTRY POISED FOR FURTHER GROWTH IN 2023 Belize City, Belize, 25thBelize, January 2023: 2023: The latest statistics bothovernight overnight and cruise shiparrivals tourist arrivals prov Belize City, 25 January The latest statistics for for both and cruise ship tourist provide a toric day for all of us when Julius starts clearsignal and strong signal tourism has recoveredand and is now poised to achieve higher records inrecords the New in Year. ththat Belize’s clear and strong that Belize’s tourism has recovered isboth nowovernight poised to achieve higher theaNew Y Belize City, Belize, 25 January 2023: The latest statistics for and cruise ship tourist arrivals provide early about when he was talking before Last year, 2022, registered 370,524 overnight tourist arrivals representing a 69.2% growth over the previous year. The year clear and strong signal that Belize’s tourism has recovered is now poised to achieve higherover records the New Year. Last year, 2022, registered 370,524 overnight tourist arrivals and representing a 69.2% growth theinprevious year. The 2022, also registered 615,021 cruise tourism arrivals with 40 cruise ship calls on Belizean ports in December. Please see planBelize. We started talking about Last year,details 2022, registered 370,524 overnight touristwith arrivals over the ports previous The year Pleas 2022, also registered 615,021 cruise tourism arrivals 40representing cruise shipa 69.2% calls growth on Belizean in year. December. further in the tables below: 2022, also registered 615,021 cruise tourism arrivals with 40 cruise ship calls on Belizean ports in December. Please see further details in the tables below: what a PUP government wanted to repfurther in the tables Arrivals below: Breakdown: 2022 details Overnight Tourist resent and what were the things need2022 Overnight Tourist Arrivals Breakdown: 2022 2022 Overnight Tourist Arrivals Breakdown:2020 2019 2021 ed so much in this country. We believe (P) % change % change % change % change 2022 and rightly so that God has blessed us vs. '18 vs. '19 vs. '20 vs. '21 2022 2019 2020 2021 (P) 2019 2020 2021 50,590 4.0 48,554 -4.0 6,908 -85.8 25,667 271.6 (P) Jan % change % change % change % change with wealth untold, but he to ensure we % change % change vs.8.7 '18 vs.1.9 '19 vs.%'20change vs. '21 % change 49,868 50,817 7,938 -84.4 30,241 281.0 Feb can transfer that wealth in the hand of 50,590 48,554 6,908 -85.8 271.6 vs. '18 4.0 vs.-4.0 '19 vs. '20 25,667 vs. '21 Jan 57,697 6.2 23,962 -58.5 15,444 -35.5 41,909 171.4 Mar 50,590 4.0 8.7 48,554 -4.0 6,908 -85.8 30,241 25,667 271.6 our people.” 49,868 50,817 1.9 7,938 -84.4 281.0 Jan Feb 46,694 15.8 689 -98.5 14,609 2,020.4 39,228 168.5 Apr 49,868 1.9 7,938 281.0 “I remember once speaking to 57,6978.7 6.2 50,817 23,962 -58.5 15,444 -35.5-84.4 41,909 30,241 171.4 Mar Feb 36,779 3.0 543 -98.5 20,814 3,736.1 33,006 58.6 May some of our older folks in our party and 46,694 15.8 689 -98.5 14,609 2,020.4 39,228 41,909 168.5 42,938 -1.0 212 -99.5 26,362 12,321.9 34,078 29.3 57,697 6.2 23,962 -58.5 15,444 -35.5 171.4 Apr Jun Mar they were telling us that Mr. Price used 36,779 3.0 543 -98.5 20,814 3,736.1 33,006 58.6 45,196 -2.3 621 -98.6 27,742 4,366.3 37,138 33.9 May Jul 46,694 15.8 689 -98.5 14,609 2,020.4 39,228 168.5 Apr to say that there should be five basic 42,938 -1.0 212 -99.5 26,362 12,321.9 34,078 29.3 33,764 -3.1 705 -97.9 16,782 2,278.8 29,011 72.9 Jun Aug 36,779 3.0 543 -98.5 20,814 3,736.1 33,006 58.6 May 19,645 -8.5 772 -96.1 11,685 1,413.9 17,783 52.2 rights for our citizens. … it’s simple, 45,196 -2.3 621 -98.6 27,742 4,366.3 37,138 33.9 Sep Jul 25,341 1.6 3,179 -87.5 13,574 327.0 18,946 39.6 42,938 -1.0 212 -99.5 26,362 12,321.9 34,078 29.3 Land, House, Education, Health, and 33,764 -3.1 705 -97.9 16,782 2,278.8 29,011 72.9 Oct Jun Aug Job. Under the previous government, 19,645 772 -96.1 11,685 17,783 37,138 52.2 38,981 0.4 -87.5 22,848 370.5 45,196 -2.3 -8.5 6214,856 -98.6 27,742 1,413.9 4,366.325,620 33.9 Sep Nov 12.1 Jul the ministry received BZD$8 million, 25,341 1.6 3,179 -87.5 13,574 327.0 18,946 39.6 55,674 2.1 9,213 -83.5 34,286 272.1 37,897 10.5 Oct 33,764 -3.1 705 -97.9 16,782 2,278.8 29,011 72.9 Dec Aug and they build plycem houses, not even 38,981 0.4 4,856 -87.5 22,848 370.5 25,620 503,166 2.8 144,124 -71.4 218,991 51.9 Nov 12.1 69.2 19,645 -8.5 772 -96.1 11,685 1,413.9 17,783 52.2 370,524 Sep home.” PM Briceño stated. 55,674 2.1 9,213 -83.5 34,286 272.1 37,897 10.5 Dec 25,341 1.6 3,179 -87.5 13,574 327.0 18,946 39.6 Prime Minister, Briceño went on, Oct 503,166 2.8 144,124 -71.4 218,991 51.9 “Use Larry as an example, they say only 69.2 370,524 38,981 0.4 4,856 -87.5 22,848 370.5 25,620 Nov 12.1 in the US, but now I can say only in Be55,674 2.1 9,213 -83.5 34,286 272.1 37,897 10.5 lize, it goes to show if you work hard you Dec will succeed in Belize. The concept of the 503,166 2.8 144,124 -71.4 218,991 51.9 69.2 370,524 starter homes is so that the government could roll this out all over the country. We started off by building individual homes, 2022 Cruise Ship Passenger Arrivals Breakdown: 2022 Cruise Ship Passenger Arrivals Breakdown: but Julius stated being an architect and an expert in the field stated it would be 2019 2020 2021 2022 (P) 2019 2020 2021 2022 (P) too expensive. It’s best if we can plan out % % change % change % change change % % change % change % change new communities, we plan to replicate vs '18 vs. '19 vs. '20 vs. '21 change 2022 Cruise Ship Passenger Arrivals Breakdown: 165,885 26.1 156,240 -5.8 0 -100.0 47,169 this around the country.” Jan vs '18 vs. '19 vs. '20 vs. '21 147,926 26.124.5 156,240 118,241 -20.1 0 58,239 165,885 -5.8 0 -100.0 -100.0 47,169 The Prime Minister also noted, “that Feb Jan 2019 2020 2021 2022 (P) 143,176 8.4 68,618 -52.1 0 -100.0 93,836 we are doing this as a team working toMar 147,926 24.5% 118,241 -20.1 0 % change-100.0 58,239 % change % change 2022 Ship Passenger Arrivals Breakdown: FebCruise change 104,775 14.8 0 -100.0 0 0.0 50,281 gether, it is a matter of partnership.” Apr vs. -52.1 '19 vs. '21 143,176 8.4vs '18 68,618 0 vs. '20 -100.0 93,836 Mar 80,993 -1.3 02020 -100.0 00 0.0 30,325 - 2019 2021 (P) PlanBelize is about Public and Private 165,885 26.1 156,240 -5.8 -100.0 2022 47,169 May Jan 104,77555,012 14.8-25.6 00 -100.0 50,281 % % change change 0.0 -100.0 0 0 0 % 0.0 44,333 - sectors as the focus of this government, Apr 147,926 24.5 118,241 -20.1 -100.0 58,239 % change Jun Feb change vs '18 vs. '19 vs. '20 vs. '21 76,813 -6.6 0 -100.0 11,401 0.0 30,360 166.3 for example, the Berger Field project was 80,993 -1.3 8.4 0 -100.0 0 -100.0 0.0 93,836 30,325 Jul 68,618 -52.1 May 165,885 26.1 156,240 -5.8 00 -100.0 47,169 MarJan 143,176 66,168 -27.5 0 -100.0 14,932 0.0 30,283 102.8 a partnership between the Belize Tourism Aug 104,775 14.8 0 -100.0 0 0.0 50,281 147,926 -20.1 0 0 -100.0 0.058,239 55,012 -25.6 24.5 0118,241 -100.0 44,333 Apr Feb Jun 47,629 -28.8 0 -100.0 22,180 0.0 30,094 35.7 Board and the Football Federation of BeSep 143,176 8.4 68,618 -52.1 00 -100.0 93,836 - 80,993 -1.3 0 -100.0 0.0 30,325 Mar May 76,813 53,763 -6.6-28.8 00 -100.0 23,571 11,401 0.0 0.027,880 30,360 166.3 -100.0 18.3 Jul lize. The Police Department working in Oct 104,775 -25.6 14.8 -100.0 00 0.0 50,281 - 00 -100.0 0.0 44,333 JunApr 55,012 103,978 -7.4 0 -100.0 49,344 0.0 76,491 55.0 66,168 -27.5 0 -100.0 14,932 0.0 30,283 102.8 conjunction with the public on different Nov Aug 80,993 -1.3 -100.0 0 0.0 30,325 May 76,813 -6.6 00 -100.0 11,401 0.0 30,360 166.3 Jul 124,440 -17.2 0 -100.0 88,778 0.0 95,730 7.8 sectors in curving crime is a multisectoral Dec 55,012 -100.0 022,180 0.0 47,629 -28.8 -25.6 0 0 -100.0 0.044,333 30,094 35.7 Jun 66,168 Sep -27.5 0 -100.0 14,932 0.0 30,283 102.8 Aug 1,170,558 192.6 -3.1 343,099 -70.7 210,206 -38.7 615,021 partnership. Government pledged offi76,813 -6.6 0 -100.0 11,401 0.0 30,360 166.3 Jul 53,763 00 -100.0 23,571 0.0 0.0 30,094 27,88035.7 18.3 47,629-28.8-28.8 -100.0 22,180 Oct Sep cially on planBelize and there is no letting 66,168 -27.5 0 -100.0 14,932 0.0 30,283 102.8 Aug The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is pleased with the industry’s swift recovery and notes that the surge in international 53,763 -7.4 -28.8 -100.0 23,571 27,880 76,491 18.3 103,978 0 00 -100.0 49,344 0.00.0 0.030,094 55.0 Oct up. The BlackBerry Ridge Estates is a sur47,629 -28.8 -100.0 22,180 35.7 Sep flightsNov to Belize, assertive marketing in our source markets, and the strong support and collaboration from industry 103,978 -7.4 for a successful 0 -100.0 49,344 0.0 76,491 55.0 stakeholders were the main elements year. Nov 53,763 -100.0 23,571 18.3 prise to many naysayers like many in the 124,440 -17.2 -28.8 0 0 -100.0 88,778 0.0 0.027,880 95,730 7.8 Oct Dec 124,440 -17.2 0and -100.0 88,778 Belize 0.0as a premier 95,730destination 103,978to proactively -7.4 0 effectively -100.0 promote 49,344 0.0 76,491 55.07.8for the benefit of both The BTB remains committed media. Let me plug in that even as this DecNov 192.6 -3.1 343,099 -70.7 210,206further-38.7 615,021 Belizeans and1,170,558 international travelers and looks forward to the industry’s growth in 2023. 1,170,558 -3.1 -70.7 210,206 -38.7 615,021 124,440 -17.2 343,099 0 -100.0 88,778 0.0 95,730 7.8192.6 magnanimous project is unveiled in all its Dec 192.6 1,170,558 -3.1 343,099 -70.7 210,206 -38.7 615,021 splendour, leading “news” houses still About Belize Tourism Board The BelizeThe Tourism Board (BTB) is pleased with the industry’s swift recovery andthat notes thatinthe surge in interna Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is pleased withthe theBelize industry’s swift recovery and notes the surge international The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is a statutory body within Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, and it is governed by a Board of found time to ignore it. It is a huge disserflights to Belize, assertive marketing inisour source markets, and the and collaboration from indust flights Belize, assertive marketing in our source markets, the strong support and members collaboration industry Directors appointed by the Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Theand BTB works instrong conjunction with the private sector – including ThetoBelize Tourism Board (BTB) pleased withRelations. the industry’s swift recovery andsupport notes that the of surge infrom international the were Belize Association, Belize Tourism Industry Association and Belize National Operators Association – and is dedicated vice to the advertisers who keep sending stakeholders were the main elements a successful year. flightsHotel to assertive marketing our source markets, and the strongTour support and collaboration from industryto building stakeholders theBelize, main elements forfor ainsuccessful year. tourism in the most economically and environmentally sustainable manner. As a part of its responsibilities, the BTB promotes Belize as a premier stakeholders were the main elements for a successful year. dollars to them for manufacturing news. tourism destination both in-country and international Among its outreach to as theainternational travel market, markets The BTB remainsto committed to proactively andconsumers. effectively promote Belize premier destination forthetheBTB benefit of the both The BTB remains committed proactively and effectively promote Belize as adestination premier destination country’s unique attractions toto travelers, of the travel trade industry and media outlets markets. The BTB is for also dedicated to developing The BTB committed tomembers proactively andforward effectively promote Belize asinakey premier the benefit offor boththe benef Belizeans andremains international travelers andstrengthen looks industry’s 2023. The 50 families in BlackBerry Estates and implementing tourism programs that will help and growto thethe Belizean tourismfurther industry;growth promote in good destination stewardship; and instill Belizeans andBelizeans international travelers and and looks industry’s and international travelers looksforward forward totothethe industry’s furtherfurther growth ingrowth 2023. in 2023. high quality standards for accommodations and travel experiences. For more information on the BTB and its services, visit www.travelbelize.org. know that their lives are invaluable. 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the Belize Hotel Association, Belize and Belize BelizeNational NationalTour TourOperators Operators Association – and is dedicated to building the Belize Hotel Association, BelizeTourism TourismIndustry Industry Association Association and Association – and is dedicated to building
Directors appointed Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations. The works in conjunction with members of tourism inby the most economically and sustainable manner. AsBTB partof ofitsitsresponsibilities, responsibilities, BTB promotes Belize as private a premiersector tourism inthe the most economically andenvironmentally environmentally sustainable manner. As aapart thethe BTB promotes Belize as the a premier tourism destination toBelize both in-country and international consumers. Among itsoutreach outreach international travel market, the BTB markets the tourism destination to both in-country and international consumers. and Among its totothethe international travel market, the BTB markets the dedicated the Belize Hotel Association, Tourism Industry Association Belize National Tour Operators Association – and is country’s unique attractions to travelers, membersofofthe thetravel travel trade trade industry and media outlets inin key markets. TheThe BTB is also dedicated to developing country’s unique attractions to travelers, members industry and media outlets key markets. BTB is also dedicated to developing tourism in the most economically and environmentally sustainable manner. As a part of itspromote responsibilities, the BTB promotes Belize a and implementing tourism programs that willhelp helpstrengthen strengthenand and grow grow the good destination stewardship; and instill and implementing tourism programs that will theBelizean Belizeantourism tourismindustry; industry; promote good destination stewardship; and instill tourism destination to both in-country and international consumers. Among its outreach to the international travel market, BTB . the quality standards accommodations andtravel travelexperiences. experiences. For andand its its services, visitvisit www.travelbelize.org . highhigh quality standards forfor accommodations and For more moreinformation informationononthetheBTB BTB services, www.travelbelize.org country’s unique attractions to travelers, members of the travel trade industry and media outlets in key markets. The BTB is also dedicated to and implementing tourism programs that will help strengthen and grow the Belizean tourism industry; promote good destination stewardshi high quality standards for accommodations and travel experiences. For more information on the BTB and its services, visit www.travelbe