Tourism Board launches its 5-year national strategy plan

Belize’s Tourism Police Unit is set for a major expansion, with plans to grow its ranks by roughly sixty percent under the newly launched National Tourism Security Strategy 2025–2030. Unveiled this morning in Belize City, the strategy outlines a sweeping blueprint to safeguard visitors and communities alike.  Key initiatives include forming joint enforcement teams, upgrading security infrastructure, and delivering advanced training to both public officials and private sector stakeholders. The plan takes aim at a wide spectrum of threats, from petty theft and gang activity to cybercrime, natural disasters, and cross-border offenses, placing special focus on securing remote hotspots and high-traffic tourism zones.  Beyond crime prevention, the strategy seeks to elevate Belize’s standing as a safe, trustworthy destination, with stronger cooperation between government agencies, industry partners, and international allies. Director of Tourism Evan Tillett says the effort is anchored in unity, stressing that the collaboration is aimed at building a safer Belize.

Ivan Tillett, Director of Tourism: “Security cannot be the sole domain of one single agency or a single sector. It’s a shared responsibility that involves all of us. Since 2012, Belize has made consistent progress in bolstering security particularly in our more remote tourism destinations. The Belize Police Department in partnership with the Belize Defense Force, tourism operators, community leaders, and private sector has made strides against emerging threats. Through these coordinated efforts we have effectively reduced  the incidence of crime. However, we recognize that the landscape of security threats is continuously evolving. I urge all stakeholders here to embrace the National Tourism Security Strategy 2025-2030.  Together, we can develop an environment where safety and security enhances the tourism experience, ensuring that Belize is not only known for its natural wealth untold and its friendly people, but also as a safe and secure destination for all visitors who visit our shores.”

With tourism accounting for approximately 40% of Belize’s GDP and a large portion of that being linked to Maritime Tourism, Captain Gregory Soberanis of the Belize Coast Guard explained that this strategy plan will help streamline what the BCG has already been doing.

Gregory Soberanis, Cpt. Belize Coast Guard: “It is important that we coordinate closely with the Belize Tourism Board, the Belize Police Department, the Belize Defense Force, and other key stakeholders as we are the designated lead tactical organization for maritime security in the cayes and territorial waters  which are the very heart of our tourism industry. Our focus is explicitly aligned with key maritime interests  such as the safety of nationals and non-nationals,  freedom of movement for transportation and recreation, security of mariners and coastal communities, and the security of our ports, which are all fundamental to tourism. Our commitment to securing the national interests of the tourism industry  is demonstrated through a comprehensive range of operational capabilities and strategic initiatives. The safety and security of our sea spaces through the conduct of maritime patrols and surveillance deter illegal activities and assist in the monitoring of our maritime protected areas and tourist hotspots. Our search and rescue operations are crucial.  responding to distress calls and maritime emergencies to provide life-saving assistance to both tourists and locals. We also contribute to vessel safety inspections to protect mariners across Belize’s  maritime domain.  The Coast Guard is actively involved in combating maritime crime and illicit trafficking in order to disrupt activities that can potentially have  adverse effect on our tourism industry.”

Interestingly, just last year there was an update to the National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (NSTMP) 2012–2030. This master plan reportedly was to serve as a framework for tourism development and designed to make the industry more competitive, sustainable, and resilient. Within this plan, safety and security were also addressed as crucial elements for ensuring a positive visitor experience and promoting continued growth in the sector.