Looking for Expansion in Airline Industry

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and the Belize Airport Concession Company Limited (BACCL) with the support of Intervistas, convened several meetings last week in the United States with existing and potential new airline service providers, to present a business case for Belize, with the intention of developing new routes and securing lower fares.

The meetings produced very encouraging and productive sessions serving as a springboard to strengthening further discussions with the airlines. Strategies presented were the development and addition of new or increased services to Belize from the USA by carriers currently serving Belize and those that have not yet realized the Belize potential. Similar sessions are being scheduled later in the year with other airlines in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

From April 1 through to April 4, the traveling delegation met with Continental Airlines in Houston, Texas, with Spirit Airlines in Miramar, Florida, with Jet Blue Airlines in Forest Hills, New York, and with United Airlines in Chicago, Illinois.

“With increased interest in Belize as a premier destination, increased hotel investments, greater tourism promotion, and improved airport facilities at the International Airport, Belize is poised to attract greater airlift from existing & new markets,” commented Director of Tourism, Tracy Panton.

The BTB and BACCL have entered into a three year agreement with Intervistas Consulting Inc., a consulting company based in Ottawa, Canada for an Airline Development Strategy for Belize. This strategy will identify air service deficiencies, provide recommendations for priority routes and formalize the business case for presentation to potential new airline partners.

Intervistas Consulting Inc. was formed in 1999 as an independent employee-owned consulting practice and has developed airline strategies for St. Maarten, Puerto Rico and various cities in the United States and Canada. Martin Copeland has 35 years experience in the aviation industry including 20 years in senior management positions with two international airlines where he specialized in route planning, code sharing alliances, marketing and airfare analysis.

The traveling delegation included Mr. Martin Copeland of Intervistas Consulting, Mr. Enrique Hoare, Operations Manager and Mr. Lindford Rosado, Financial Controller both of the Belize Airport Concession Company Ltd, Mr. Mike Singh, CEO in the Ministry of Tourism, and Mr. Lloyd Enriquez, Registrar of Hotels of the Belize Tourism Board. -Press Release, Thursday, April 17th, 2008 -