Belize made it through the 2004 hurricane season relatively unscathed -- good news for all.
The Toucan Trail (www.toucantrail.com) is a new Belize tourism industry initiative bringing together over 150 small hotels across the country, all charging less than US$60 per night.
Nearly 300 cruise ships carrying over 600,000 passengers docked in Belize during the 2004 season, and the numbers of both are expected to increase during 2005.
In December of 2004, Delta Airlines began weekly direct flights every Saturday between its Atlanta hub and Belize City's Philip Goldson International Airport.
In early 2005, the hotel room tax is slated to be raised from 7% to 9%, and sales tax will be raised from 8% to 9%.
Belize City
The government of Belize and Carnival Cruise lines have signed a major agreement to build a new and modern cruise ship terminal in the southern Port Loyola section of Belize City. However the contract has been the focal point of protests and lawsuits.
Chef Patrick Rodgriguez of the Smokey Mermaid was named best chef of 2004 at the annual "Taste of Belize" restaurant competition.
Northern Cayes and Atolls
The folks at Mata Chica are building an even more luxurious and exclusive set of bungalows north of their currently comfortable resort. La Perla del Caribe is expected to open in March 2005.
A long-forgotten law dating back over 40 years which bans commercial shops from operating after 9pm on Ambergris Caye began to be enforced on December 26, 2004. The law, which affects grocery stores, souvenir shops, clothing and book stores, and any other commercial shop, has been on the books but not enforced for longer than most can remember. I expect that a legislative change will not be far off.
Cayo District and Western Belize
Maya Island Air (tel. 226-2435; www.mayaislandair.com) has suspended its flights to San Ignacio. There are currently no regularly scheduled commuter flights into San Ignacio.
Word has it that the road to Caracol has been greatly improved, and the entrance fee has been raised to BZ$15 (US$7.50).
Southern Belize
Outside of Hopkins Village, the Jaguar Reef Lodge (tel. 800/289-5756 in the U.S., or 501/520-7040 in Belize; www.jaguarreef.com) has added 12 new very luxurious beach-front cabins that they are calling Almond Beach at Jaguar Reef Lodge.
There have been several changes around Placencia of late.
The Sugar Reef Lounge (tel. 501/523-3289) burned down in late November. Arson is suspected and the owners say they will rebuild as quickly as possible.
The popular De'Tatch Seafood Beach Bar and Grill (tel. 501/523-4011) has expanded its dining area and renovated it's namesake thatch roof.
The Inn at Robert's Grove (tel. 501/523-3565; www.robertsgrove.com) has added 8 new two- and three- bedroom suites, which can all be broken down and rented out as either one-, two- or three- bedroom units. They also added another swimming pool, giving them a total of 52 rooms and three pools.
As of press time, Luba Hati, both the restaurant and hotel, are closed. The new owners were apparently unable to meet payments and suddenly abandoned the project. The previous owner is reportedly considering reopening both the hotel and restaurant. Check in at www.lubahati.com for updates.
The much anticipated paving of the road to Placencia has been indefinitely postponed due to lack of funding, although local optimists are saying spring of 2005 is the target for starting.
Northern Belize
Chan Chich Lodge (tel. 800/343-8009 in the U.S. or tel. and fax 501/223-4419 in Belize; www.chanchich.com) has upgraded six of its bungalows to their deluxe category, adding king-size beds and larger bathrooms and showers. They are also finishing a deluxe two-bedroom villa scheduled to be ready sometime in early 2005.
There have also been some changes at the Lamanai Outpost Lodge (tel. 800/733-7864 in the U.S. or 501/322-2199 in Belize; www.lamanai.com). The lodge now operates as an all-inclusive property with all meals, tours and activities included in the rates. They've also added air-conditioning in two of their cabins, and plan to add it to several more. New tour options here also include air-boat rides on the marshes and lagoons, as well as several new bird-watching specific tours.
Tikal and Guatemala's Peten
The roads and sidewalks of Flores have been receiving some heavy work of late. Long overdue sewers are being added, and pedestrian sidewalk improvements are expected to make this tiny island city a much friendlier place to walk around.
Out in El Remate, La Casa De Don David Hotel (tel. 502/306-2190, or 502/928-8469. www.lacasadedondavid.com) has added air-conditioning to four of its rooms.
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