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Between all their discussions a highlight was the possible introduction of tour packages between both countries.
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Mayor of Chetumal City Andres Ruiz Morcillo.
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For some years now San Pedro Town and Chetumal City in Mexico have been involved in a number of activities as part of the sister relationship that exists between both municipalities. However, both communities believe that even though much has been accomplished, there is still more that can be done to bring further development on both regions. On Saturday, Mayor of Chetumal City Andres Ruiz Morcillo was in San Pedro to foster that existing relationship and to take a closer look at programs that may be implemented in the medium and long term for both municipalities. Some of these programs integrate and are hoped to boost the tourism product for all.
In speaking with The San Pedro Sun, Mayor Morcillo commented, “First we are here to strengthen the relationship with San Pedro and other communities involved in the tourism industry. We are here to see some of the development on this island and see some of the project the island has undergone and to take a closer look at other projects to see how we can develop them together. Both Belize and Mexico form a part of the Caribbean; X’calak, Banco Chinchoro and San Pedro – we all have the Caribbean spirit and we need to build on that. We are also looking at the possibility of establishing ‘an air connectivity’ between Chetumal and San Pedro in the form of a direct flight. We are also looking at the possibility of constructing a road from X’calak and San Pedro.”
However, according to the Mayor Morcillo, these projects will take a lot of lobbying from to both countries’ governments. Mayor Morcillo said that they also brought in technical assistance for the island. This assistance will aid the Town Council in tackling some of the problem they face in respects to development on the island.
Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Honourable Manuel Heredia was present during the meeting and explained that the visit will help the tourism sector in Belize. Minister Heredia explained that “I believe that some of the projects are good for the tourism sector. Like Mayor Morcillo mentioned, we are looking at introducing flights to San Pedro from Chetumal. We are also considering whether the people would buy the idea of a bridge or a ferry that will connect Ambergris Caye to X’calak in Mexico since this will allow Mexican tourists to have access to our island without major problems.”
Between all their discussions a highlight was the possible introduction of tour packages between both countries. Mayor Morcillo explained, “We are looking at the possibility of training our tour operators in both Chetumal and San Pedro to start offering tours to the whole area, as a circuit. This will bring even more tourist in our region and we will see more economic circulation. To start the idea, we are also planning to have a booth at the Chetumal Expofer in October.”
Also present for the luncheon held at El Divino on Saturday were Mayor Elsa Paz of San Pedro Town and Mayor Hilberto Campos of Corozal Town.
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