From Stake Bank to Olo Caye; Big Promises, Big Plans

After years of uncertainty surrounding the former Stake Bank project, a rebranded development called Olo Caye is positioning itself as a fresh start for Belize’s tourism future. Supporters say this time, the focus is on long‑term growth, creating jobs, attracting visitors, and giving Belizeans a bigger role in shaping the industry. The project blends a cruise port with a luxury resort experience and is being pitched as a way to keep Belize competitive with other Caribbean destinations while expanding opportunities for local businesses and workers. At the helm is veteran tourism executive Piero Dibattista, whose decades‑long career includes helping turn Roatán, Honduras, into a major Caribbean tourism hub. Backers of Olo Caye point to that track record as proof the team understands both large‑scale cruise operations and the importance of environmental standards. The goal, they say, isn’t just to bring more visitors, but to do it responsibly and with local communities at the center of the experience. That vision is already moving toward construction. Developers say work on a staging and operations site along the George Price Highway could begin within weeks, paving the way for island development planned for completion by 2028. The project includes new cruise and ferry piers, retail and dining areas showcasing Belizean culture, space for local entrepreneurs, and facilities designed to host international events. Beyond the infrastructure, the biggest selling point may be jobs. Olo Caye is expected to generate thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of permanent positions once operational, making it one of the most ambitious tourism investments currently on the table. For proponents, it represents a chance to reset the narrative around the site, and to reimagine how tourism can work for Belize’s economy and its people.