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part of the argument against mass development: (from the BTB report marty posted)

"Countrywide Belize hotel occupancy rates were 44.3% in 2007, 42.9% in 2006, 42.1% in 2005, and 41.8% in 2004. Ambergris Caye occupancy rates were 49.5% in 2007, 48.3% in 2006, 45.6% in 2005, and 46.8% in 2004.
It is the Preparer's concern that the increase in number of Ambergris Caye hotels in recent years (1 in 2007, 6 in 2006, 11 in 2005, 7 in 2004, 6 in 2003, 5 in 2002) will result in declining average rates of occupancy as more property choices are being offered to tourists who are not arriving in numbers increasing consistent with the increase in hotels. The increases
in average hotel occupancy percentages in 2006 and 2007, following a gradual decline from 2002 through 2005, are unexpected, raising doubt about the BTB's data collection and
reporting. Based on the additional properties presently under construction or planned on Ambergris Caye, a declining trend seems more probable than an increase in percentage occupancies. For properties without strong marketing programs, consistent repeat customers, or amenities desired by travelers, this will mean difficulty in operations and possible threats to survival."

where is the necessary for SB to create so many more hotel rooms?

Where is the story about the fact that our local airstrip is now operating at maximum capacity during high season....

and that we're way beyond the ability to evacuate in a timely manner when a storm threatens.

amanda, can you clarify your question? do you meant you think the stats are off, or that SP is not set up to accommodate mass tourism at this point in time?

hi sweetjane - I read somewhere that the airstrip is running at max capacity but I can't remember where I got the info. I am saying that currently the island's airstrip couldn't handle "mass tourist arrivals."

I was going to comment on the tourism statistic thread but feel this may be more appropriate. The BTB tourism/hotel report makes some very interesting points...

1. AC is the main tourism destination in BZ

2. Tourism rates are rising moderately even in the "low" season

3. Placentia is seeing a rise in tourism

4. Room rates are rising

5. Room occupancy is averaging 50%/yr with high of 71% and low of 22% for 2007

6. Direct quote from report: "It is the Preparer's concern that the increase in number of Ambergris Caye hotels in recent years (1 in 2007, 6 in 2006, 11 in 2005, 7 in 2004, 6 in 2003, 5 in 2002) will result in declining average rates of occupancy as more property choices are being offered to tourists who are not arriving in numbers increasing consistent with the increase in hotels. The increases in average hotel occupancy percentages in 2006 and 2007, following a gradual decline from 2002 through 2005, are unexpected, raising doubt about the BTB's data collection and reporting. Based on the additional properties presently under construction or planned on Ambergris Caye, a declining trend seems more probable than an increase in percentage occupancies. For properties without strong marketing programs, consistent repeat customers, or amenities desired by travelers, this will mean difficulty in operations and possible threats to survival.

What will happen when the current establishments fall into disrepair due to the cost/revenue balance sheet dipping into the red. Can AC continue to draw the tourism should this happen? Aesthetics of the ares is exactly what I am referring to as people form an initial judgment based on their visual queues. And I should also make it known that I do understand there is a difference in the "tourist" part of the island and the "non-tourist" portion of the island and it's drastic differences.

I know I don't live there, but I can tell you that I love it there and have had a number of friends visit there on my recommendation. I just want to see AC continue to thrive. What is being done to continue to raise the rates of tourism; ensure the safety of the population, both locals and visitors; support the businesses that are currently there while still looking toward the future; and yet still keeping the same beauty and vitality that is AC? What about infrastructure, education, poverty, ecology?

what i'm gathering from opinions from varied sources ('cept the developer) is:

there is not one good reason to build SB as the proposal stands, yet several very good reasons NOT to allow it be built.

AC really needs a board that governs growth on the island. Not a committee to make suggestions but really governs. Although sometimes we wish time would stand still change is inevitable. With the world economy in a state of instability, responsible growth is more important than ever.

True. If an enterprise succeeds half a dozen others appear and sap the core business away from them. Maybe some of those will have deep pockets and can afford to play a waiting game, but the rest will find life becomes very difficult.

We do already have such a system in place, although it isn't homogeneous. It's the process of issuing licences, currently generally just a formality (and one that is as susceptible to corruption as any others here) but it could be tightened up with obligatory "need" and "effect on existing competition" criteria.

Generally speaking governments are very slow to move unless there is a trigger such as an environmental catastrophy or some other sudden impact on the populace. It appears that SB developers were working on handshakes and promises that have been the norm in the past. Such a large project as SB has really turned some heads but hasn't provoked offcials to institute a real regulated growth policy. There are a lot of pros and cons to this development.

There has to be some mechanism for conflict resolution and real solutions. It seems residents of AC are willing but lack a government or community leader that will take on the responsibilty. Without this I think status quo will prevail.