Royal Caribbean Targets Belize Peninsula

Ministry of Tourism chief executive Mike Singh confirmed that Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines wants to build a “tourism village” near the remote village of Placencia. A majority of the members of the Placencia branch of the Belize Tourism Industry Association reportedly oppose the idea of a cruise ship village for larger boats, according to local reports. They argue that the ships only bring day-trippers who don’t spend money and leave environmental damage in their wake. Singh told reporters the village would be “low density.” Singh promised public hearings to vet any proposal. Placencia offers benefits over Belize City as it would provide easy access to the jungle and diving excursions liked by cruise ship passengers.

Mike Singh CEO

Ministry of Tourism

“The cruise company plans a facility on the southern point of the peninsula as a welcome centre for tendered cruise passengers. This project suggests that the developers are interested in introducing a niche brand of cruise tourism into that region, aiming at small cruise ships with non-fixed itineraries. Input from community and environmental groups will be considered, in addition to the impact of this proposal on employment and economic benefits, as well as on sites and attractions.”