Phil I live in Toledo. I am well aware of the poverty and the difficulties of living in a small country.
I am the first to admit that solving the airline ticket price issue is not going to be easy. however it IS the biggest issue IMHO, and therefore needs to be adressed by those responsible for our tourism industry. it does not cease to be an issue just because it is difficult.
I accept it may take a long time.
PGIA is privately owned, correct. that in itself raises issues.
i would very much like to see the airlines bluff called on this hotel accomodation argument. i wonder how many hotel rooms we would need to have to satisfy them.
its this chicken and egg argument that BTB should be addressing.
instead of which a second international airport has been allowed (well, sort of) which will so they say be flying in jets from Europe. it seems that the hotel room argument does not apply to them.
Your idea about staying small, nimble and agile is right. however we have to remember that wonderful as Belize is, we have competitors at lower prices. GOB at least does not agree with you, otherwise why have they allowed the wholesale development of condos and hotels on the Placencia peninsular, and why are they promoting the expansion of cruise ship tourism to southern Belize?
Sorry, Phil we are not going to agree on this. BTB are responsible for tourism in Belize. High airticket prices are IMHO a major barrier to increased tourism, ergo it is their responsibility.Period.