1 week ago
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Toledo East Area Representative Doctor Osmond Martinez has committed to exploring possible solutions to Tropic Air’s planned withdrawal from Punta Gorda. Martinez addressed an emergency stakeholder meeting this morning, called by the Toledo Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association, as the district faces losing its only scheduled airline service on November 1. The meeting focused on the impact on residents, businesses and tourism operators, and possible alternatives for maintaining that connection. Martinez outlined his commitment during a presentation to those gathered.
Dr Osmond Martinez, Toledo East Area Representative: “Last night, I was up pretty late talking with some advisors on the, in terms of understanding the whole air system works and what would be some of the proposals that we can present to the airline. Because at the end the airline thinks different than us. We are thinking about the sentiment maybe of the economic aspect, the comfort trickle down effect in terms of economic the social protection aspect but the reality is they are looking at it as money. At the end for them their bottom dollar is money so that’s what the investors think so we have to think like them in order to be able to work. And I stand to be corrected actually Robert and I we enjoy an excellent relationship but we’re almost different in every way. And I believe in the lsat twelve months we have seen an increase on passengers that are coming via Tropic to Punta Gorda. So there has been an increase. It’s still not back to where it was in 2019 before COVID19 pandemic but there has been a significant increase to the point that when we had the climate finance forum a couple weeks ago they had to send two lights in the morning instead of one direct all the way from Belize City to Punta Gorda. So there has been an increase of economic activity but so far we would like to sit with our friends from Tropic and understand what are the challenges that they’re having.”
The concern extends beyond tourism. According to the BTIA’s Toledo Chapter, banks, medical laboratories, farmers, suppliers and NGOs also depend on the flights to move produce, documents and other time-sensitive goods. One stakeholder at this morning’s meeting spoke about the concerns surrounding the planned closure.
Tourism Stakeholder: “I just want to share with you what yesterday meant to me. I felt a visceral sickness, nausea when I read that Tropic Air had decided in 30 days to stop services to the Toledo district. And the first thing I thought of, and I’ll come to you, what you said you know, ‘cause it’s absolutely true, but the first thing I thought of was where is Tropic Air’s social corporate responsibility to the people of the Toledo district. We have given our loyalty to this company and we don’t give 30 minutes. And in fact, when you brought the talk, not 30 days, maybe 30 years, 30 months, but not 30 days. The other thing is that one does not go without the other effort. You know you said this and Minister I’m very pleased that you’re here because the other thing that came to my mind was government has got to do something. You cannot allow this to happen.”
Following the meeting, the BTIA called for coordinated action involving the government, the Belize Tourism Board, Tropic Air and Toledo stakeholders. In a release issued today, the association acknowledged the airline’s difficulty in maintaining a route where demand is insufficient to sustain operations. It said the response must include stronger promotion of Toledo to attract more visitors and support reliable transport connections. The BTIA says it will work with Martinez, its Toledo Chapter and other partners on practical strategies to turn greater awareness of the district into visits and business opportunities. It pointed to Toledo’s cultural heritage, natural attractions and community tourism experiences as a strong foundation for that effort. Tropic Air says its decision follows years of sustained financial losses, compounded by rising costs and uncertainty over proposed changes to domestic aviation infrastructure. With the November 1 closure approaching, stakeholders are seeking viable transport options and measures to support Toledo’s economy.
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