I've only been back to Mexico once since I found Belize, 10 years ago, and it wasn't my idea. I could have gone to Mexico twice as often as I go to Belize, because of the price difference. Despite the lure of the price of a Mexican airfare/AI package, what I've found in Belize makes it worth every extra penny I've paid.

As a friend of mine, who only recently went to San Pedro, said to me "I had no idea it could be like this." She's totally hooked.

Well put it this way. We booked our trip in Janaury and after talking about it non stop, another teacher from my school has already booked his honeymoon there in August!

About 10% of my school know where Belize is!

Before airliners fly to Belize non stop from Europe there will have to be major changes made.
747's, A380's, 777's all fly with over 200+ passengers.
Someone will have to sell a package deal and have one hotel for everyone to stay.
The local airlines will need more aircraft. The airstrips can't handle a bigger commuter in Belize due to weight and runway length restrictions.
Goldson Airport will need better Customs and Immigration areas and baggage handling capabilities.
I think the answer to boost tourism is to fly regional jets non stop from Denver, Kansas City, Cleveland etc. After all, 61% of tourists arrive from the US.
The next plan would be to fly non stops from Canada once a week. No one wants to go through 3 flights and two Custom/Immigration checks.
It shouldn't be a 2 day trip to fly to Belize from Western Canada or the Northwest US.
Or a final solution. Stop building and enjoy the current tourists numbers and keep Belize pristine...

It's not a two day trip from Calgary. I get on the plane at 7 am and I've got my bags unpacked, my feet up and drinking a Belikin on the deck by 6 pm. I do feel for others in Western Canada though, they've got to get to that 7 am flight somehow. I think Edmonton can make it by catching an even early am flight to Calgary, but any other larger center is pooched. Look at what Canuk-Diver had to do.

As for Euro tourism, yes, a package deal charter would probably be required to really get things going. In this regard, I refer you to West Bay, on Roatan. I can't think of the name of the hotel right now, might be Bananarama. It was almost exclusively Italian tourists until a charter company out of Toronto started flying Canadians down and booking them into the same hotel. The airport and airstrip at Roatan is smaller and shorter than Belize City, I'm sure.

SS - The resort you are thinking of in Roatan is Henry Morgan's. It's much more friendly now that Canadian tourists are there.

Non-stop from Cleveland. I like the sound of that reaper.

Yes, indeed isle!! I remembered it the other day but forgot to come in here and make the correction. Thanks for your help and of course, the most deserved compliment to my fellow countrymen.

In my travels, as well as everyday conversations, I run across lots of folks who don't even know where Belize is, which is amazing to me. I have also talked to some people who did not like Belize at all - they said it was dirty and lots of garbage everywhere.

I also know people who prefer the more mainstream destinations (Hawaii and Mexico), especially people who live on the West Coast. These folks will not likely consider other destinations as it is outside their comfort zone - there are easy direct flights to these places.

And yes Reaper, I vote for the stop building plan! It is so weird to me to hear of timeshare salesmen on AC. It has been 1-1/2 years since I have been there and I am sure it will be a shock to see all the changes and building. 8 years ago, there was hardley one housing structure past the bridge. Now, I hear it is crazy!

LM, I too was shocked ! I visit SP often but have had no reason to go north. Last month, we traveled north to Portofino for dinner and was amazed at the condo' that seemed to stretch for miles ! From the water it looked like Manhattan.

E, I don't like the sound of that and am sorry to hear it, but guess it is eventually inevitable. Some of my favorite places have come and long since gone. . .