Cruse ships where given permission to come to San Pedro by central government several years ago. They constructed a 10 ton mooring anchorage directly in front of town and tried to ferry from the ship their passengers across the reef via the Tuffy Cut. The damage to the reef from the mooring attempt is still there.
The Tour Guide Association raised major objections, however the rough weather and difficulty getting smaller transport boats through the cut was the major factor in their discontinuing their visits.
Were safe from Cruise ships docking only because of shallow water and physical difficulty approaching the town from sea, not from central governments sensitivity to our concerns.

Oh yeah, and didn't they lose a couple of cruise ship passengers during their snorkel trips?

They where forbidden to visit Hol Chan by the Hol Chan Marine Reserve , again nothing to do with Government, stopped only because Hol Chan had the power to stop their visits.

LCL is understandably frustrated and so are many expats whose governments are considering cutting retirement benefits. If we do not have tourism, there are not enough jobs. Those who don't work enjoy the dining and shopping that is only possible because of the tourist dollars which keep these businesses afloat.
Recently, more businesses have shut their doors. How can that be good?

Its too late to make this island a low volume tourist destination. Costs always increase and business needs to keep pace with rising costs through growth. The current policy of doing nothing to remain a viable alternative with other tourist destinations leads to the downward spiral in jobs, services, and quality of life.

I didn't say rebrand Belize I said reinforce it's current brand. You say you hear what I'm saying and then just carry on your own path without thinking. What do you want the BTIA and BTB to do they haven't already tried. How much clout do you mistakenly think they have. They've been to the States lobbied the airlines. What can they do. I imagine the airlines turnover more than Belize's GDP so if the airlines say that's the price like it or leave it what can be done? Not much I think other than carry on trying and in the meantime get ouur house in order on things we CAN control, crime, corruption, litter, public relations, training, etc.

Phil. I apologise. You did not say rebrand. Despite your flame, I do indeed agree with much of what you said.
However I repeat that whoever comes on holiday to Belize whether eco tourists or "conventional-type' they will still be put off by high airfares relative to surrounding countries as they are right now.
The BTB is the government department charged with overseeeing and promoting tourism in Belize, and the BTIA is the tourist industry's trade body. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Many people think that high airfares are the single biggest factor in incresing tourism. I happen to agree and my experience in my own resort here bears out what others have said.
Of course all the things (crime,litter training etc) you mention are important, here we agree again.
My point is that the BTB and BTIA are those we must look to. I do not accept there is "not much" to be done about airfares. That is the counsel of despair.

When I suggest all that Belize can offer to some of my wealthy friends who love to travel, their response is often, "Sounds great, how much does it cost to fly there?" They expect to be treated right, and a lousy airfare is a bad way to start a vacation.

Offer them some credits for a companion fare like the Bahamas and they will follow through. I agree with Chris- doing nothing about a problem we all recognize is not acceptable.

Amir, 'come on, give me a break. Wealthy friends NEVER say "how much does it cost to fly there" Cheap folks like me do.....

Cheap folks like you and I may take the bus. Losing a lot of time is worth it to avoid the high air fare.

Chris it isn't a flame or personal attack and apologies aren't necessary as you haven't offended me. This sort of dialogue is only good if carried out in the right manner as it might find the solution. What do you expect the BTB to do? Stop and think about it.

The GOB, be they red or blue, are in the stay in power get votes business, full stop. That boils down to money in the populations pocket, so they're happy and vote them back in with education, hospitals, social services, etc important, but probably secondary. Money means jobs. Jobs in Belize equate to Tourism, the single largest Industry employer - at a guess.

The flight prices ARE an issue and I promise you GOB know this as it's linked to the above and could help solve a lot of their problems if they could attract more visitors. As you say they would be in the mass tourism business if they could be and hence their welcoming of Cruise Ships, hated by the overnight tourism businesses. So they do recognise this is an imortant issue and still the prices are high.

If you have the solution I'd love to hear it, and more so, so would Mike Singh and Junior Heredia.