BTB Welcomes Air Link to South

The Prime Minister told visiting tourists they do not have to worry, because there will still be a flight going south. The Belize Tourism Board is the agency that sells Belize to those tourists, so we asked its Director of Tourism, Evan Tillett, what the change means for the industry.

 

Evan Tillett, Director of Tourism, Belize Tourism Board

“Of course, that’s a very positive thing. I think air connectivity is key to growing any destination, including internally. And so that’s the obviously welcoming news that we will have connectivity in the south.”

 

Reporter

“There have been talks on Tropic saying that they may cut routes and flights.”

 

Evan Tillett

“I don’t have all the details on that matter, but whenever you talk about cutting routes that, that creates some worry that if routes will be cut. But I think that Tropic operates as a private business, andas a business you need to look at how you can remain fiscally healthy. But for tourism, we need all the connectivity that we can in order to continue growth in the destination.”

 

Reporter

“ I would imagine that BTB was consulted when the plans were made to build this new airport in northern Ambergris. Are you able to say if the plans are to have any regional connection with that airport?”

 

Evan Tillett

“I do not have all the details on that at this time. I know that it is in the planning stage, but I don’t have all of the details going forward, so I’m not able to answer that question at this time.”

 

Reporter

“Are you able to say if in the talks with different airlines if any have expressed interest in landing on Ambergris?”

 

Evan Tillett

“Actually the discussion in terms of getting new airlift to the destination is based on our international airport, which is currently PGIA. And I will say at this point no, that has not come up. But whatever opportunities exist, we will explore those opportunities.”

 

On Friday, the Belize Tourism Industry Association is hosting a meeting with residents of Punta Gorda to discuss what they claim is a lack of information regarding the connectivity to the Toledo district.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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