Mahler Says Tourism Upgrades Being Done “One Project at a Time”

San Pedro has officially opened its new Artisans Market following an inauguration ceremony hosted by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB).

The market is located at the El Embarcadero site on Nurse Shark Street and was completed in January. Built with durable, coastal-appropriate materials, the weather-resistant facility can accommodate up to ten vendors and meets required safety and accessibility standards. Oversight of the site will now fall under the San Pedro Town Council.

Speaking at the ceremony, Belize Rural South Area Representative Andre Perez said the market is intended to connect visitors directly with Belizean culture. “Every item hopefully that when they buy here will tell a story. A story of our home, our heritage and most importantly the honest Belizean work that comes along with it.”

Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler said the project forms part of a wider national effort to strengthen the tourism sector. “These projects that we’ve been working on all over the country have been focused on how, one project at a time, we can improve the tourism product,” he said. His comments follow other recent initiatives, including the upgraded community centre in Bullet Tree Falls. 

San Pedro’s mayor also welcomed the opening, describing the market as a space dedicated to local talent and community pride. “To our artisans and vendors, this market is for you,” he said.

Despite the official opening, some local artisans have expressed concern about the transition, noting that vendors have been relocated several times over the years and that the new facility may not be able to accommodate everyone currently selling at the existing market.