Recession affects the number of tourist accommodations on Ambergris Caye
As a San Pedro Warden for the US Embassy I have just completed the 2012 survey of location and contact information for the hotels, condos, and guest houses on Ambergris Caye.

This information will be used for disaster planning and locating tourists in the event of a emergency. Currently Ambergris Caye has 1748 tourist units with an additional 77 to be opened this year in three new hotels. A unit is a guest accommodation that can range from a single room to a 5 bedroom villa.
Between 2005 and 2007 there were approximately 300 new units added to Ambergris Caye.

Between 2007 and 2009 there were approximately 400 new units added bringing the 2009 total to 1957 units. An additional 680 units were under construction in 2009. Many of the units were never completed. A number of hotels and condos closed and others cut expenses by having owners/managers move into one or more units. A large number of condo units became homes for seasonal and full time guests.

Wil Lala