With Tourism Soaring, Belize Announces Plan to Safeguard Visitors
by Bruce Parkinson
Belize is making visitor safety a priority with new security plan.
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports & Diaspora Relations, has unveiled a new five-year National Tourism Security Strategy.
The plan establishes a coordinated national framework to mitigate risks, protect the tourism product, and strengthen visitor confidence across both urban hubs and remote destinations. Officials say it represents a pivotal step in the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its thriving tourism industry.
“This strategy reflects Belize’s commitment to delivering a safe, secure and world-class tourism experience,” said Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism, Youth, Sports & Diaspora Relations.
“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.”
Key Objectives
- 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.”
