STP sets the stage for San Pedro Water Front Transformation

Contract signed with local architectural firm

Press Release – Government of Belize – July 27, 2010 - Under the Sustainable Tourism Program, over Bz$6 million of IDB (International Development Bank) funding, will be invested in a boardwalk stretching 2000 linear feet along the water-front and transforming the back lagoon area of San Pedro Town. The development will incorporate a multipurpose pier housing international and domestic water taxi terminals and small scale shopping. A destination for tourists and locals, the boardwalk will be designed to promote an atmosphere of leisure and relaxation; maintaining the identity of San Pedro Town, while revitalizing the surrounding area.

Local architectural firm International Environments (IE) Ltd. based in Belize City was awarded the contract for the deasibility, planning and design of the Sunset Pier and Boardwalk based on the strength of their technical and price proposals. Today Principal Daniel Arguelles signed off on the Bz $482,500.00 agreement with the Ministry of Tourism and the Belize Tourism Board. IE was one of the 12 firms from the local and international arena who expressed an interest in this challenging under-taking. Their experienced professionals have stated a strong commitment to developing a driver of future economic growth for San Pedro Town, creating further commercial and tourism opportunities and encouraging local ownership of the development.

IE’s team will carry out detailed marine and geotechnical investigations, social environmental studies and economic analysis, contributing to the final blueprints. A manual will also be developed to guide sustainable operations thus ensuring an efficient and successful public amenity for the future. The planning phase will span 5 months, setting the stage for construction to begin early next year.

For more information about the program please contact the Project Coordinating Unit at info@sustainabletourismbz.org or visit the STP website www.sustainabletourismbz.org.

Costa Maya Presents: Miss Honduras!!

This week, we present to you the final contestant for the International Reina de la Costa Maya pageant. Nicole Yaret Hawit is a 22-year-old, Honduran beauty who stands at 5’5”, measuring 34”-25”-34”. This brown eyed brunette holds a Bachelor’s in Tourism and enjoys exercising as a hobby.
Nicole is the last of the eight beauties who will grace the Costa Maya stage in San Pedro. The panel is complete; we have met delegates from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Mexico, Panama and now, Honduras. At the end of the night, only one will be crowned by 2009-2010 Reina de la Costa Maya Maritza Rivas. Who will be our new beauty representative? You just have to be there for the grand moment when hostess Sandra Hoyos announces the winner!
Be on the lookout for the lovely ladies as they start arriving on the island on Friday, July 30th. For an even better chance to get to know the beauties, swing by the San Pedro Lions Club for Noche San Pedrana. For a mere $30, you can join the ladies at the club starting at 7:00pm on July 31st. Enjoy music, dinner and dancing into the night.