Press Release: The Belize Board of Tourism
October 24, 2000
BELIZE CITY, Belize -- The Belize Tourism Board estimates that the tourist area of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye
is expected to be operational by Thanksgiving weekend -- the start of the high tourist season in Belize. Ambergris
Caye, Caye Caulker and some of the northern areas of Belize were affected by Hurricane Keith, which made its way
through the Yucatan earlier this month.
``Over 90% of the country was not affected by the hurricane, and these areas, including the popular inland destinations
in the Cayo District and San Ignacio, as well as the southern coastal resorts in Placencia, are operating at full
speed,'' said Minister of Tourism Mark Espat at a NYC press briefing this week.
In the northern areas, the speed of recovery varies, depending upon the hotel. And while some areas will need longer
to recover, others feel confident that they can provide tourism services by late November -- far sooner than earlier
anticipated. Electricity, water and telephone communication have been restored to some areas of the island and
the dedicated efforts of residents and volunteers to rebuild and renew the beauty of San Pedro has been remarkable.
Life in San Pedro is quickly regaining a sense of normalcy and spirits among residents remain high for the upcoming
tourist season.
Recovery efforts on Caye Caulker are also showing steady progress. Much of the debris caused by the storm has already
been cleaned up and restoration efforts are ongoing.
``The determination and persistence exhibited by the residents of San Pedro and Caye Caulker throughout the obstacles
faced by the effects of Hurricane Keith continue to inspire me,'' Minister Espat states. ``It reaffirms my belief
that the tourism industry in Belize is stronger than ever.''
The Belizean government is committed to providing full assistance to both islands to ensure that they are ready
for the upcoming winter tourism season. The Belize Tourism Board recommends that those whose travel plans within
the next month include Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker should contact the individual properties to see how they
are faring. The BTB is available to answer questions and concerns at btbb@btl.net
or 1-800-624-0686. For regular updates, visit http://www.belizeemergency.net.
SOURCE: The Belize Board of Tourism