Aim is to drive sustainable tourism in Belize through home sharing

Tourism in Belize has got a significant boost with the signing of an agreement between Airbnb and the country’s tourism board.

Both entities have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which seeks to initiate “a mutual collaboration between both organisations to drive sustainable tourism in Belize through home sharing”.

A joint statement issued by the signatories indicated that the MOU also aims to “promote Belize as a world-class tourism destination, highlighting cultural festivals, local tourism experiences and other unique events”.

Airbnb has been working for several years with the Caribbean Tourism Organization to help drive tourism to the region, continuing to sign similar agreements with destinations across the region. The entity is now operating projects in many Caribbean countries including Jamaica and The Bahamas.

MOU being hailed

The Belize Tourism Board is commending the MOU with its director of tourism, Evan Tillett hailing the move.

According to Tillett, “the Belize Tourism Board is excited about this new cooperation agreement with Airbnb, and in working together to develop an equitable and sustainable business environment for this important segment of the tourism offer in Belize”.

Continuing, Tillett remarked that, “with new engaging features on its platform, Airbnb is not only about room stock generation, it is also moving towards the creation of authentic destination experiences, an area where Belize thrives and seeks to engage”.

For his part, Carlos Munoz, Airbnb’s campaign manager for public policy for the Caribbean and Central America, stated: “Belize is an important destination for Airbnb, and we are pleased to continue working together with the BTB to develop a strong, democratised tourism industry through home-sharing, in which Belizeans can benefit directly.”