Are Airbnbs Posing a Challenge to Hotels in Belize?

Belize’s booming tourism sector faces growing competition from Airbnbs, says Efren Perez, president of the Belize Tourism Industry Association.

“Airbnbs tend to have competitive prices… With an entire apartment and kitchen, visitors have more flexibility,” he said during his appearance on the Open Your Eyes morning show on Tuesday.

Perez said unregistered Airbnbs affect hotel revenue and tax contributions, which puts pressure for proper registration and oversight. “If they’re not registered with the Belize Tourism Board, then that impacts the hotelier, who is paying their taxes towards the industry,” he said.

He added that despite seeing a growing turnout of overnight stays, “hotels are not seeing the numbers.” Perez said dialogue with hoteliers revealed a possible solution for hotels to keep their doors open. “They’re putting more value for the traveller now… more and more properties are really moving into an all-inclusive,” he added. “That is where I think the industry is driving.”

The BTIA plans to strengthen public-private collaboration, enhance marketing, and provide targeted training this year. The association has visited San Pedro, Punta Gorda, and Hopkins to understand local needs and address other issues, including road safety, emergency medical access, and recurring Sargassum impacts.

“Once we’re able to really provide the industry with the tools and really look at these key challenges that they’re having, I think we’re poised to meet targets,” Perez said.