Belize joins Atas to drive trade bookings and raise awareness

The Belize Tourist Board has joined the Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (Atas) as an associate member to promote the destination’s wide range of experiences and boost trade bookings.

A spokesperson for the tourist board said: “Belize is a key adventure destination and it would be great to promote the diversity of experiences available in the destination and highlight key segments of adventure, culture, cuisine, diving and sustainability.

“Now more than ever, the travel trade is playing an integral role in destinations’ recovery, assisting with health and safety regulations and travel restrictions and promoting destinations to their consumers, it is important for us as BTB to work closely with travel trade partners to keep Belize top of mind and drive bookings to the destination.”

Set on the Caribbean coast of Central America, Belize offers activities such as caving, zip-lining, kayaking, horse riding, mountain biking, hiking and scuba diving – plus more ‘soft adventure’ options including walking, visiting Mayan sites and snorkelling.

The tourist board has an online training programme for agents at www.travelbelizespecialist.co.uk and is planning to host a fam trip for agents later this year.

Its marketing is focused on sustainability, diving, culture and adventure to tap into key current travel trends.

The spokesperson highlighted how more consumers have money to spend on holidays after the pandemic and the ‘catch-up consumer’ is emerging – making up for trips and experiences that were missed during the crisis.

Other trends that fit with the destination’s offering include a ‘new kind of luxury’, with travellers seeking exclusive places, and wellness retreats that reconnect with nature.

Developments in Belize include the Wit Concrete dive wreck site at Blackbird Caye, where divers can explore a 375-foot concrete ship.

“The project will be among one of the largest wreck dive destinations in the Caribbean, re-enforcing Belize’s status as one of the best diving destinations in the world.

Claire Brighton, Atas account director, added: “It’s great news that Belize has joined Atas to promote its diverse tourism offering, which perfectly fits our mission to promote touring and adventure holidays.

“Agents can take advantage of the trends for adventurous, sustainable and luxury holidays by learning about Belize’s attractions – and some will even get the chance to visit later this year.”

Click here for the Belize Travel Trade website.