Don’t miss Belize's Beyond Blue Dive Summit — a 4-day underwater adventure where divers explore world-class reefs, connect with conservation leaders, and help protect the future of our oceans.

What’s New in Belize’s Tourism Industry for 2026

Belize’s tourism industry continues to evolve with a strategic focus on elevating the quality, diversity, and sustainability of visitor experiences. Stakeholders, NGOs, individuals, government institutions, and many others work tirelessly to develop their product, safeguard culture, and remain eco-conscious. Here’s what Belize is doing to step into 2026 as a force to be reckoned with in tourism!

What’s New with Properties?

New Properties

New accommodations are emerging! You now have options across islands, coastal areas, and inland destinations when planning your Belize vacation.

Bullock Island
Pickwick Park View Hotel
Zenses Hotel and Resort
The Bohemian Caye Caulker

New Additions

Several established properties have expanded their offerings through new rooms, villas, and shared spaces. These additions will enhance comfort and provide more capacity, while introducing upgraded experiences that appeal to both return visitors and new guests. Here’s what you should look out for:

Naïa Resort and Spa – New Spa Villas, and Villa Solana – the property’s largest villa
The Banks Resort – Enters Phase 2, expanding villas and amenities
Victoria House Resort & Spa – Rainforest Suite Private Walk-In Pool
Blue Marlin Beach Resort – New Twin Cabanas
Prana Maya Island Resort – The Island Club – new recreational area
Blu Zen Caye Caulker – Phase 4 expansions, new residences, and enhanced amenities
El Grand Mestizo Resort – New north wing with 18 rooms

Upgrades

New year, new look! Resorts have invested in their existing spaces, reimagining style and guest-experience. These upgrades include refreshed interiors, expanded room types, and improved wellness and leisure facilities.

Cayo Espanto – Luxe new look for the resort’s seven villas, and a larger gym
Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge – Expansion of signature tree house options
San Ignacio Resort Hotel – Upgraded Garden Rooms with private plunge pools

Dining

Hotels and resorts across the country are taking their culinary offerings to another level! These refreshed dining spaces and creative food experiences highlight regional flavors, storytelling through cuisine, and unique ways for guests to connect over food.

Coco Plum Island Resort – Reimagined restaurant and bar
Umaya Resort – Casa de Maiz
Sirenian Bay Resort and Villas – 5-course cultural culinary journey
Playa De Sala Boutique Hotel – Boat Bar
Blancaneaux Lodge – The Garden Spot

Experiences

New on-site activities and guest programs are being introduced to create more meaningful and memorable stays. These additions range from outdoor adventures to family-friendly amenities and wellness concepts, enriching the range of experiences offered at each property.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek – New hiking trail
Las Terrazas Resort & Residences – Kids Club
Turtle Inn – The Organic Tea Shop

Sustainability

Sustainability continues to shape Belize’s tourism development, with properties partnering on initiatives that protect wildlife and strengthen environmental stewardship.

The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant and The Banks Resort – Collaboration with Belize Wild Cats through their Trail Tales and Seeds of Tomorrow projects

What’s New in Conservation?

Nature

National Wildlife Policy and Strategy

Belize’s new wildlife policy creates a national framework for species protection, sustainable hunting, rescue efforts, and scientific monitoring. It prioritizes threatened species and guides wildlife management through 2035.

Marine

Expansion and Public Input on Marine Protection

Belize is finalizing one of its largest expansions of marine protected areas, increasing safeguards for reefs, seagrass beds, and coastal ecosystems. Implementation in 2026 will bring updated rules, more monitoring, and additional community training.

Coral Reef Resilience and Mangrove Protection Initiatives

Belize plans to scale up coral restoration, expand nurseries, and strengthen monitoring skills among coastal stakeholders. Mangrove conservation and blue carbon work will enhance fisheries health and shoreline protection.

Culture

UNESCO Capacity Building for Intangible Cultural Heritage

Belize strengthened its capacity to document and protect living traditions through UNESCO-led training. These programs continue into 2026, improving national heritage management and community engagement.

Krismos Bram and Sambai Added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The 2025 inscription recognizes the importance of the unique Creole cultural traditions and supports community efforts to preserve them. It also boosts opportunities for cultural education and tourism.

Maya Writing Conservation Efforts

Belize will continue museum-based programs that introduce the public to ancient Maya writing. These efforts help keep Maya script accessible and integrated into cultural education.

Maya Mapping Collaborative Project

The Institute of Archaeology, the University of Belize, and Auburn University teamed up and launched the Maya Mapping Collaborative. The project is an opportunity to learn more about Belize’s archaeological sites, hearing directly from researchers, workers, and communities surrounding the sites. It kick-started with a StoryMap of Altun Ha’s history and architecture in November 2025.

What’s New in Infrastructure?

Public Transport Overhaul & Bus System Modernization

Belize is launching a Consolidated National Bus Company in 2026 to unify independent operators, introduce standardized schedules, and modernize bus terminals and fleets. The reform aims to create a safer, more efficient national transit system that strengthens connectivity, reduces congestion, and improves daily travel for residents and visitors.

San Narciso Village Community Market (Corozal District)

The San Narciso Community Market, opened in October 2025, is the only newly built produce market in Belize in recent years, offering 18 stalls for local farmers and vendors. While long-standing markets remain active nationwide, no other new community markets will be launched in 2026.

Westline’s Electric Bus Rollout in Belize

Belize introduced its first long-distance electric buses through a UNDP-EU pilot project, with modern e-buses now operating between Benque Viejo del Carmen and Belize City. The fleet remains small and in testing mode, with data from current routes determining whether expanded electric service, including a Belize City and the Belmopan corridor, will follow.

Amber Isle Public Transport: New Island Bus System in San Pedro

San Pedro launched its first island-wide bus network through a six-month pilot using air-conditioned minibuses running fixed routes from San Mateo to Secret Beach and across the town core. The system offers a structured alternative to taxis and golf carts, aiming to reduce congestion and improve mobility!

From new hotel openings and enhanced guest experiences to nationwide conservation efforts and upgraded transportation systems, Belize is entering 2026 with meaningful growth across every part of its tourism sector. These advancements ensure a more seamless, sustainable, and valuable stay when visiting Belize. If you’re seeking a refreshed, well-rounded destination, travel Belize to discover all that’s new in 2026!