Floating Boardwalk Proposal Aims to Revamp Belize City Waterfront

Belize City could soon get a major facelift along its waterfront, and tourism officials say it’s about time. The Belize Tourism Board believes a proposed floating boardwalk fits perfectly with its long-term vision to make the city more welcoming as cruise arrivals continue to grow. Nicole Usher-Solano, CEO in the Ministry of Tourism, told us Belize City remains a key stop for cruise visitors, and that means upgrading the experience is critical. ‘We have to make sure the city is prepared for visitors,’ she said, adding that improvements shouldn’t stop at the Southern Foreshore. Areas like Yarborough and the port surroundings also need attention. Solano says any project that enhances the waterfront or creates new visitor experiences is a step in the right direction. While BTB is no longer directly involved in boardwalk discussions, the organization says it supports developments like this because they add value and strengthen Belize’s reputation as a top destination.

 

Nicole Usher-Solano, C.E.O., Ministry of Tourism

“I know that we were involved in some very early discussions on it. I have seen as well in the media that they’re moving forward, so I think that generally, Belize City is a destination that we need to continue to improve, because of the cruise industry. We have to make sure that the city is prepared for visitors, and its something that even going forward we will look at the cruise port coming on stream. We have to look at the Yarborough area. We have to look at that area by the port. So, there’s a lot that needs to happen in the city, and if the Belize City Council is able to contribute in that way. I think waterfront activities are always positive. I’m not up to speed on exactly the details of that particular project, but generally speaking, any development for the city is something we look at favorably.”

 

Evan Tillett, Director of Tourism 

“I think if you go back to our National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan, which is the bible of what we do in terms of developing the tourism sector. It calls for development within Belize City. And so, projects of that nature definitely could add value and allow us to reach closer to bringing the plan into fruition in terms of the tourism master plan.”