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Joined: Oct 1999
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Marty Offline OP
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With a 203-key oceanfront property

ECI Development today announced plans to introduce the Marriott Hotels' namesake brand to Belize with a project designed for customers seeking a relaxed Caribbean lifestyle. The hotel will grace Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island known for its world-class scuba diving, fishing, water sports and white sandy beaches.

"We are thrilled to bring the Marriott Hotels' brand to Ambergris Caye, one of the Caribbean's most beautiful island destinations with famed access to the Belize Barrier Reef and dive sites," said Michael K. Cobb, Chairman and CEO of ECI Development. "Known for developing inspired residences for adventurous souls across Latin America for more than two decades, we are particularly excited about the opportunity to deliver top-quality lodging and residences in this special place with a beloved global brand."

The hotel, along with the Marriott Hotels-branded residential component, will fuse old-world British charm and modern amenities while keeping an eye towards the heritage and history of Belize. ECI plans as many as 70 branded residences as a part of this 203-key oceanfront resort.

Guests will have access to first-class restaurants, a rooftop lounge, conference and event space, a spa, fitness center and retail outlets. Amenities will also include a dive shop to cater to the island's many visitors who come to explore the Belize Barrier Reef - the largest reef system in the northern hemisphere and a UNESCO World Heritage designated site. Joel Nagel, ECI Development's co-founder stated, "We recognize the critical importance of conservation and protection of this reef system and are pleased to be working with a global company known for its environmental commitment."

"As Belize emerges as a top tourist and business destination, the Belize Marriott Ambergris Caye Resort and Residences will contribute to the positive evolution of one of the jewels of the country," said Cobb. "After 20-plus years of sustainable development in the region, we view this opportunity as a meaningful way to serve tourists now coming to Belize."

Belize's Minister of Tourism, Honorable Manuel Heredia says, "The opening of the Belize Marriott Ambergris Caye Resort and Residences will create more than 200 permanent jobs for the country. The economic benefits will reach far beyond the physical property as owners and guests participate in water sports like diving and snorkeling, explore Mayan ruins and shop for art, woodcrafts and other souvenirs. The ripple effect of their consumption, purchasing and participation will be experienced throughout Belize."

San Pedro Mayor Daniel Guerrero welcomed the project with open arms stating that he is happy ECI and Marriott will implement eco-friendly and environmentally responsible operations on the island. "We share in the excitement and we want to express our commitment and support, both from a local and national level, to ensure that today's event will mark the beginning of a future success story."


Today on La Isla Bonita - The Unveiling of Marriott Residences Belize, Ambergris Caye


Joined: Oct 2001
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All very interesting. My impression is that these brands appeal to people who leave home and to find a place to stay that is pretty much like home.
I wonder what will happen when these sorts of travelers have slow internet and are told "well, it's Belize"; or when they leave the compound an find unpainted homes. Time will tell.
Meanwhile, Belize will benefit from a lot of spin-off advertising.

Joined: Mar 2001
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"Belize's Minister of Tourism, Honorable Manuel Heredia says, "The opening of the Belize Marriott Ambergris Caye Resort and Residences will create more than 200 permanent jobs for the country."

Minister Heredia, and other government officials, would be doing the island a better service if they would first create 200, or the number of jobs needed, to improve the much needed infrastructure to support the population that already exists before adding to the problem.
It begs the question: Is creating more jobs by bring more people to the island a higher priority than providing adequate infrastructure and a basic quality of life for those already living there?

Joined: Oct 2003
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K
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BYOW (water)


Belize based travel specialist
www.belize-trips.com
info@belize-trips.com
Joined: Oct 2003
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K
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K


Belize based travel specialist
www.belize-trips.com
info@belize-trips.com
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 984
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Last week the water and power were off, this week it has been the water and phones, heaven help us when all 3 go off. LOL

Last edited by Inplub; 04/20/18 09:39 AM.
Joined: May 2000
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I would like to think that when these developments are planned they include a full back up power generation system, back up water system and also have an emergency communication systems in place.

Joined: Apr 2018
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ECI Offline
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Thank you for your comments.  We at ECI Development read each comment and take everyone's thoughts seriously.  

We think you actually hit on one of the reasons people come to locations like Ambergris Caye.  The accommodations may have the standard they are used to and make the guest feel "pretty much like home" but the location is very authentic and walking across the street to chat with a merchant selling stone crab or seeing the sometimes very colourful or other times "unpainted homes" is all part of the "real" experience.  Of course, we will take measures to ensure the quality of the water with rainwater catchment systems, the eco-sensitive generation of power through hybrid solar and wind systems and even ensuring we have back up plans for the occasional "slow internet".  

But in reality, as much as we strive to make every guest experience as amazing as possible, even large brands cannot control the weather or someone's personal experiences outside our resort.  But don't underestimate the value of the statement "Well, its Belize!", because that's the charm and the reason for many of our guests coming to a unique and incredible destination like Ambergris Caye!

Joined: Mar 2001
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Good points, Amanda. But that does nothing for the rest of the island inhabitants that loose power and water due to the lack of infrastructure to handle the current population.
But I guess smarter people than me have figured out how more condos and more people coming to the island for jobs will solve the inadequate infrastructure problem. That must be the same logic that works by "getting the cart first and then the horse".

Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,448
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You and I are just silly old common people, these developers are all knowing!

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