AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye Where are all the tourists?

Wildthang. Who are you hiding from, posting behind some made up name, are yau a radical terroist, bomber ? Say who you are and what your agenda is>

Wow, this thread has become interesting. What is a "suburban American idiot" anyway?

I think there are some good points made here by many people: travelers are more spread out on the island because of all the new places up north and there are definitely some restaurants/bars and hotels that enjoy good business consistently. Still, overall, tourism is way down compared to the years prior to the global economy taking a dive (many Belizean business owners, waiters, bartenders, etc. told me that in November). Talk to a travel agent and that is the story. The economy still sucks. Its going to take a lot more time for recovery. I feel so lucky that I am able to travel there in the first place....

Agreed. Airfare is ridiculous to Belize. I remember years ago, it was about $450 RT from No. California. Now, it is at least $700. I flew to Switzerland a few months ago for less than that.

I am one of those people that don't want to move to Belize because I enjoy my visits there so much, it wouldn't be the same. Plus, my bucket list of travel destinations is a long one, so I will keep my job in "suburban America" and see the world, returning to Belize as much as I can!

LaurieMar:

Firstly, thank you for bringing some culture and civilization back to this thread! And, yes, it certainly is interesting!

I am not too sure myself how to define a "suburban American idiot" - I think it was Big Mike who introduced the term. I am not sure I understand the classification of "suburban" added to "American idiot". There again, I personally would not have chosen to be derogative about Americans anyway. I have just spent 8 months traveling in the States and I had a wonderful time and met loads of great Americans!

I agree, also, that many good and valid points have been made here. I joined this discussion as it was a question I had been asking myself. Especially as a number of people I have met here, have commented about the drop in numbers of tourists.....along with my own observations.

I posed questions and examples concerning the high prices of some commodities here, and the taxation, believing that these are very valid issues which affect why visitor numbers here have declined. The airfare, especially, is a significant one!

Maybe Ernie thinks I am some super terrorist/bomber because I keep talking about airplanes! I just really do not get how debating tourism leads to accusations about terrorism and taunts about Iran!!

What is a "suburban American idiot" anyway?
I've been accused, but I thought they were kidding

Amen.............. LM............Amen!

LaurieMar thanks for your comments about the original question that I actually asked, I was starting to think that this thread had died a death.

However, it has become a very interesting discussion to say the least. Albeit a little heated. I think Wildthings comments are being a little twisted here though by a certain member who seems to want to resort to playground antics and immature name-calling.

hehe..."posting behind some made up name".....isn't that is what about 60% of users here do???

Who are you to make demands of me? What IS your agenda in being so aggressive?

Isn't this a discussion forum.....or am I mistaken?????

You have to pay money for things no matter what part of the world you reside in.....I have moved to San Pedro for good from Las vegas NV ..... I don't find it expensive to stay in San Pedro..... Food is about the same as Vegas a little more but not bad ....If you want cheap cross the border to Guatemala .....You get what you pay for ....

OK, Big Mike: give up the definition of "suburban American idiot". Inquiring minds want to know. I call it a myopic observation. Also, what in the world does Cancun have to do with any of this? There is great difference - Cancun is a trashy, T-shirt mecca of all inclusives and I thought it was outrageously expensive. Cancun brings up images of "Spring Break Gone Wild". But, the Mexican government/tourist board has it right. The people come because it is affordable. Maybe getting there is cheap, but that's not the point. Then again, I loved Isla Mujeres, Tulum, Xacaret, and Playa.

WT, I wouldn't give it a care..Your observations and opinions are yours and valid. People will disagree. Bottom line is enjoy the ride, live and learn. That's what its all about. I am glad to hear you enjoyed your time in the States. There is a lot to see and do here and given exceptions in every walk of life, the people are kind and generous. Happy trails!

I agree 100% with you WildThing. I lived there for a little over a year and thought the same thing. Though I love Belize and find it a very special place, I never really did drink the koolaid like some on this board. I will continue to come to visit friends when I feel like doing something a little different, but for now the few dollars I can spare for vacationing simply won't cut it in Belize. Besides being in Belize is like vacationing in Texas anyways, except with better weather.

I know I'll get hammered for that one....;)