By: Omar Silva, NP’s Staff Writer

Belize City, Wednesday 5th April 2023

The Commerce Bight Port in Dangriga, Belize, is being considered as a potential area for tourism development, as plans are in the works for a passenger port and marina. The Belizean government has established a ministerial subcommittee, which includes the Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations Anthony Mahler and the Minister of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics & E-Governance Michel Chebat, to study the feasibility of realizing this project at the existing port. The subcommittee's objective is to evaluate the potential for tourism development and trade opportunities in the area.

Dangriga is already known for its pristine coastline, which is situated near the port facilities. Area representative Dr. Louis Zabaneh has outlined a development plan for the town, which he envisions becoming one of the premier tourist destinations in the country. The plan involves encouraging businesses to invest in the town over the next two or three years, bringing employment and other business opportunities. New investors have come forward with plans that would involve tourism and a "cultural village" around the port, as well as redevelopment for trade.

In 2021, the House of Representatives voted to cancel a 25-year lease given to Recological Systems Limited for the port site, voiding its plans for a power plant in the area. An Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) study in 2017 estimated that the cost of redevelopment would be around US$60-80 million.

The Prime Minister of Belize, John Briceño, has said that the government is contemplating a potential cruise port for the area. However, he emphasized the need to find a balance between cruise tourism and overnight stays.

The potential for tourism from nearby Honduras and Guatemala is also worth considering. A closer proximity to a potential cruise terminal or water taxi from the Central American Caribbean could attract more tourists to the area, boosting economic growth and employment opportunities in Dangriga.

In conclusion, the development of a passenger port and marina in Dangriga, Belize, presents a significant opportunity for tourism and trade in the region. With the right investments and planning, the town could become a premier tourist destination, attracting visitors from nearby Honduras and Guatemala. The government of Belize must strike a balance between cruise tourism and overnight stays to maximize the benefits of this development.