Cruise & Capacity Development
Mr. Lloyd Enriquez
Director of Cruise & Capacity Development
The Cruise and Capacity Development Department plays a pivotal role in strengthening Belize’s tourism industry by fostering stakeholder development, sustainable growth and regulatory compliance. This department consists of six specialized sub units and oversees key areas that support the cruise sector, tour guide and tour operator licensing, data management and analytics and the qualified retirement persons program.
Each sub-unit plays a distinct yet interconnected role in fostering a well-regulated, efficient, and thriving tourism environment in Belize.
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) recognizes the importance of building capacity among Belize’s tourism stakeholders with the principal objectives being to enhance the visitor experience, build competency among the work force and offer a pathway to career development and advancement.
This focus is reflected in the launching of the Elevate Training Institute, which is the newly rebranded capacity-building arm of the Belize Tourism Board. The Elevate Training Institute will serve as the nation’s premier hub for tourism training. We offer certified professional development short courses and programs in hospitality and lodging under the auspices of internationally recognized and accredited institutions such as the American Hotel and Lodging Education Institute (AHLEI) and certified culinary training under the auspices of the the American Culinary Federation (ACF).
Other specialized courses in key areas such as tour guiding, flats fishing, diving , birding are also offered with a view to meeting the evolving needs of Belize’s vibrant and dynamic tourism industry. Our courses equip participants with the essential skills, knowledge, and tools for success, ensuring a highly competent and competitive workforce. By fostering a highly skilled and competitive workforce, we strengthen Belize’s position as a top global destination while creating meaningful career opportunities for Belizeans.
Since its emergence in the late 1990’s cruise tourism continues to play a pivotal role in the Belize’s tourism industry providing thousands of jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for Belizeans. The Cruise Unit oversees and manages the country’s cruise tourism sector, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for visitors while maximizing its economic benefits. As the key liaison between the cruise lines, port agents, government agencies, and local stakeholders, the unit focuses on Port & Destination Management, Industry Relations and compliance, Cruise Tourism Development, enhancing visitor experience, and Data collection and analytics. Through strategic planning, marketing, and collaboration, the Cruise Unit strengthens the country’s position as a premier cruise destination in the western Caribbean.
The Licensing (Tour Guide and Tour Operator) Unit is responsible for regulating and upholding the highest standards of professionalism in Belize’s tourism industry. Our team processes applications for new and renewing tour guides and tour operators, conducts licensing clinics, and enforces compliance with industry regulations. Governed by the Belize Tourism Board (Tour Guide) Regulations, and the Belize Tourism Board (Tour Operator) Regulations, this unit plays a critical role in ensuring that guides and operators work within the confines of these regulations to maintain safety, quality, and sustainability in guided tours. By doing so, we foster an environment which protects visitors and ensures that they experience Belize through knowledgeable, certified professionals.
The Data Unit is responsible for the collection, analysis, and reporting of tourism-related data to support informed decision-making and strategic planning across the tourism sector. The Unit manages key data streams including cruise passenger statistics, overnight visitor arrivals, and tourism expenditure surveys. It ensures the integrity and accuracy of tourism statistics and provides stakeholders with timely, reliable insights to enhance Belize’s tourism development.
The Belize Qualified Retirement Program (QRP), regulated by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), offers a flexible residency option for individuals who meet the retirement income requirements to relocate, reside, and retire in Belize. QRP members receive retiree residency status, allowing multiple entries without a visitor visa, along with import duty and tax exemptions within their first year, subject to the restrictions and definitions outlined by the Belize Customs & Excise Department. They also benefit from income tax exemptions on foreign-earned income, capital gains, and inheritance tax. Additionally, QRP members can purchase propertyfor residential use and, with BTB approval, conduct business as a QRP Investor.
The Enforcement & Security Unit oversees compliance with regulations for Tour Guides, Tour Operators, and the Qualified Retirement Program (QRP). This unit ensures that all licensed individuals and Tour Operator businesses adhere to established standards, conducting routine inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions as necessary. By working closely with stakeholders, the unit upholds industry integrity, protects visitor interests, and supports a high standard of service within Belize’s tourism sector.