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  1. The Belize Travelcast
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  2. Episode 30

Is Belize Safe? Travel to Belize in 2021 and Beyond.

Hon. Anthony Mahler 56 minutes  (3)


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Is Belize safe to travel during COVID-19? What will travel and tourism in Belize be like in 2021? Honorable Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations discusses safety and future of tourism in Belize.

Belize is safe to visit and is gearing up to become a first-class tourism destination! Honorable Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations in Belize, joins us for a virtual recording session to discuss safety and the future of travel and tourism in Belize. Hon. Mahler promotes Belize as a safe tropical destination to visit during the COVID-19 pandemic as numerous health and safety procedures are put in place to mitigate and prevent the spread of the virus.

In December 2020, Belize was awarded the Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council in recognition of the enhanced health and safety protocols implemented through the Gold Standard program.

As of date (December 31, 2020), the requirements to enter Belize are:
  • Have a negative PCR test done within 96 hours before your arrival in Belize. Rapid antigen test results are also accepted; but it must be done no more than 48 hours before arrival.
  • Download the Belize Health App
  • Have proof of booking at a Gold Standard Hotel as well as Gold Standard Tour Operator or Transportation
  • Have valid passport and visa
All visitors in Belize must follow the health and safety protocols in place such as wearing masks in public settings, social distancing and abiding by the curfew hours of 8PM to 5AM. To read more about Belize's travel requirements and restrictions, visit our COVID-19 resource page for all updated and relevant information.

The Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations of Belize, Honorable Anthony Mahler, along with our host, Javier Gutierez, discusses what tourism in Belize will be like in 2021 and beyond. Under his new administrative team, Honorable Anthony Mahler sees a bright future in Belize's tourism industry as they work towards rebuilding Belize tourism industry with their COVID Recovery Plan. He also talks about building Belize into a first-class tourist destination with many infrastructure improvments and projects that will enhance the tourism experience in Belize.

Mangata Villas - San Pedro Gold Standard Hotel
Mångata Villas is a modern, new, beach vacation accommodation with a laidback luxury kind of vibe. Pool and beach are only steps away from your patio door! On site amenities include ... morekayaks, paddle boards and bicycles, all provided for your enjoyment.
Belize Ground Shuttle
Airport Shuttle
Belize Ground Shuttle is a professional shuttle company operating daily shared shuttle service for travelers between San Ignacio, Placencia, Hopkins and the Belize International Airport ... more(BZE).

Fifty Big Experiences on Ambergris Caye
Belize has SO much to offer - but where do you start? SURE you want to snorkel with stingray and sharks, of course, you want to see the Blue Hole but there is so much more that makes ... moreAmbergris Caye magic. Get the inside scoop on these BIG experiences in Ambergris Caye that will have you dreaming of returning to Belize.
Frommer's Belize Complete Guide (Latest Version)
by Ali Wunderman
Belize is a rising star. With all of the natural allure of Costa Rica, it adds to the mix towering ancient pyramids, superb scuba diving and snorkeling (along the world’s second-longest ... morecoral reef system), and a culture that’s warm and welcoming. Author Ali Wunderman has been covering the country for years and uses her expertise to help you craft the vacation of your dreams.
This episode is sponsored by:

Mangata Villas

> Website
Gold Standard certified luxury beach resort located in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Mangata Villas is an adult only (16+) luxury beach resort that offers an exquisite accommodations and beach experience in San Pedro, Belize. Find more details here.

Belize Ground Shuttle

> Website
Gold Standard compliant Shuttle and hotel Transfer providers. Luxury private and shared shuttles between most major destinations in Belize. Rated #1 on TripAdvisor. 
Information
Recommended Hotels
Mangata Villas, Adults Only
 (3)
Adult Only (18+) with Sandy Beach
Mångata Villas is a modern boutique hotel exclusively for adults (18+) and is the perfect spot for a serene getaway or romantic honeymoon. Located 6.5 miles north of San Pedro, ... moreBelize, on Ambergris Caye, our property offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and Belize Barrier Reef.

Watch the sunrise with your morning coffee, and spend the day unwinding on our pristine white sand beach while sipping your favorite cocktail from our on-site beach bar and pizzeria, Moon Bar. Enjoy the refreshing swimming pool or explore the crystal-clear waters with our complimentary kayaks and SUPs. As the sun sets, relax by the fire pit under the moonlight. On Friday nights, watch a movie under the stars on the beach.

Our five accommodations offer comfort and convenience with modern amenities such as a king-sized bed, TV, and a fully-stocked kitchen with a fridge, cooktop, microwave, and coffee maker. With every detail thoughtfully considered, Mångata Villas offers an unforgettable getaway.
Phone Number:
5016108921
Gold Certified:
Yes
Area:
San Pedro
Region:
Northern Islands
Aliana's Villas
 (3)
Private Riverside Villas
Aliana's is a vacation rental property located near San Ignacio, Cayo. Aliana's sits on a 50-acre farm and includes three private riverfront villas. ... more

Gold Standard Transportation is provided via Belize Ground Shuttle.
Relax on the banks of the Mopan river just outside your doorstep and enjoy bird watching or take a refreshing swim to cool off at your pleasure. We have canoes and floating tubes available. A popular guest activity is to float down the Mopan river from the village of Bullet Tree Falls. The float takes about two hours. You can spot monkeys and a variety of bird species along the river. We also have an outdoor grill and brick oven available for use by all guests.

Each unit includes air-conditioned bedrooms for your comfort. The property is filled with many tropical fruit trees that you can enjoy when in season, such as mangoes, breadfruit, plums, star fruit, and others. The property may be booked for private events subject to availability.
Gold Certified:
Yes
Area:
San Ignacio
Region:
Western Belize
Learn More
Events

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Hon. Anthony Mahler

Honorable Anthony Mahler is Belize’s Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations. He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, a Master’s Program Graduate Certificate in Financial Analysis, a Certificate in Strategic Management from Tuck Institute at Dartmouth, and has served in managerial capacities in both the public and private sectors. Hon. Mahler has extensive experience and knowledge in the tourism industry as he worked at the Belize Tourism Board from 1998 to 2008. He was a previous Director of Product Development at the Belize Tourism Board and during his time in the BTB, he managed many projects and played an instrumental role in the shaping of Belize’s tourism industry. Hon. Mahler then later moved on to Speednet Communications Limited as the Director of Marketing, before being elected to the House of Representatives.

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i am a consistant traveler to belize and until this year spend four months a year there. what an in formative podcast you should somehow get it out to the world where it is the first thing on the internet when you hit travel belize for info. i am a retired business man from canada and love belize however i certainly see a few problems that you may easily overcome. firstly i know years ago foriegners ... more maybe abused the banking system but come on,being able to deposit say twenty thousand dollars in a bank there with your name on it is certainly not drug dealing or laundrying money. having to wire money all the time or taking ten thousand in cash certainly is not condusive to any long term stay for all snowbirds ( people with money to spend in your country) can you imagine the banks having all this money in their banks from legitamate returning guests what would happen to the interest rates for your own citizens borrowing money yes the bank has to lend it out or they cant pay the interest to the depositors. this will incourage growth. secondly, in canada the covid has encouraged the population to do many upgrades on there properties as they are at home lumber prices have increased and employment has shifted to improvement projects. maybe application fees processing fees etc. should be postponed to encourage this employment people with money will take advantage of these things now to employ the locals and in the end the government wont loose any money. thirdly dont just give out money to able bodied people that do not have to stay home open offices in every town so that those people can be told what they can do to get their government cheque and some wages as you said the belizean people are and can be energenic if given direction. the streets in every town need to be cleaned, their personal properties mostly need attention. this is the time as the work force is readily available. also the government that is not looking after the obvious nessesitys of covid can certainly find the time to to work on roads infrastructure finish or certainly work on finishing or going forward on the airport in placencia or the new port in dangriga. spend your money wisely for the future time to clean and getting the work force engaged not just depleting government coffers for no gain. taking the 8% purchase fee off buying realestate for a time period will encourage investors and with their money create employment as they build and create. i lend money in canada but since covid i now lend with interest only payments . people cant pay right now but thats ok so when i lend them say twenty thousand against their property i take the first years payments off the money funded there fore they have no payment for a year and i am still whole your banks should do the same. remember always that the world is truly looking for their finacially comfortable people to have a place in the sun
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Belize should consider allowing private yachts to enter Belize. They are the safest travelers of all. Covid test are performed prior to entering airports where you can be exposed to thousands, and be infected with a negative test result. On a private yacht you are tested usually on the boat and leave with no contact until you arrive in Belize. Belize could even require a self quarantine for 14 days ... more on the boat just to be certain that no one is infected.
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Mayan M
We are pleased to notify you that private yachts are now allowed. For more information please contact the Belize Port Authority at bzportauth@btl.net
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Was great fun working on this podcast with our Minister.of Tourism, Belize!!
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Javier G
Belize should consider allowing private yachts to enter Belize. They are the safest travelers of all. Covid test are performed prior to entering airports where you can be exposed to thousands, and be infected with a negative test result. On a private yacht you are tested usually on the boat and leave with no contact until you arrive in Belize. Belize could even require a self quarantine for 14 days ... more on the boat just to be certain that no one is infected.
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#letsgobelizing
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