Belize Tourism Boosts Chetumal Economy Amid Challenges

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Amir Padilla Espadas, president of the Canaco Servytur Chetumal-Tulum, stated that Belizean tourism sustains the city’s economy, receiving approximately 50,000 visits per month and generating significant economic spillover that keeps many establishments active.

However, he acknowledged that due to some restrictions imposed by authorities in the neighboring country upon their return, about 8% of these visitors no longer stay overnight in the city and do not consume in the evenings. He noted that this has not caused serious impacts, especially since weekends see the highest border crossings and sales rebound.

“There are some provisions that have been put in place by customs and immigration, and yes, these are issues that we see as necessary to resolve, because ultimately, the commerce of Chetumal specifically depends a lot on our Belizean friends who come to buy and leave a strong economic spillover, especially on weekends; but it has been minimal, I cannot say that the data is alarming and that we are extremely worried, although it is an amount that does need to be resolved. I estimate it is between 5% to 8% more or less,” he said.

The organized commerce leader highlighted that they have already held talks with the Honorary Consul of Belize in Chetumal about this situation, and he has committed to supporting local businesses and trying to mediate with the Central American country’s government to provide more facilities for visitors so they consider staying overnight again.

Although it has been pointed out that tourists crossing the border have been targets of vehicle thefts and mistreatment by municipal police, the businessman asserted that they have requested enhanced security in the city to prevent such crimes that damage the destination’s image, especially now as the December season is about to begin.

“We have requested greater presence of security forces in commercial areas, on avenues, in plazas, hotels, and the boulevard, although there are some situations that get out of control and unfortunately are like the black spot that stains all the work being done. Well, now surveillance is indeed being reinforced; we have already discussed it and in that regard, we are also monitoring,” he said.

In addition to this segment, he highlighted that residents of the Ribera del Río Hondo also come to stock up on various products, benefiting established businesses. However, due to the situation they are facing from the last harvest and the price of sugar, the influx of buyers has similarly decreased, and this year they have not been coming to establishments regularly as in other years.