The global cruise tourism sector holds massive potential for small coastal nations, and Belize is making a targeted push to capture a larger share of this lucrative market by connecting directly with key industry decision-makers. This October 2026, a delegation of Belizean tour operators, headed by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), is showcasing Belize’s unique tourism offerings at the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s 32nd Annual Cruise Conference, hosted in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Drawing more than 700 cruise industry stakeholders from across the region and beyond, the annual conference serves as a critical networking and learning hub for local tourism businesses looking to break into or expand their presence in the cruise excursion market. Unlike general tourism marketing, securing a spot as a recommended shore excursion requires direct engagement with the executives who curate passenger itineraries and approve tour operators – connections that are only accessible through industry gatherings like this event.
For new operators like Tanisha Vernon, owner of the startup Tuk Tuk Belize Tours, the opportunity to attend the conference through BTB’s support is a career-defining break. As one of the newest local tour providers selected to join the national delegation, Vernon emphasized that the conference stands as one of the most important annual events for any cruise-focused tour operator. “This is the largest gathering in the cruise industry, where you get face-to-face time with shore excursion representatives – the very people who decide whether your tour meets the standard for international passengers,” Vernon explained. For a young company working to establish credibility on a global stage, the conference offers an unparalleled chance to learn first-hand exactly what major cruise lines look for in local partners, and what it takes to compete against established tour operators worldwide.
Vernon added that the opportunity to build these connections and gain insider industry knowledge has already significantly expanded her understanding of how to operate as a world-class tour provider, growth that would not have been possible without BTB’s support in accessing the event. In line with its ongoing work to strengthen Belize’s domestic tourism sector, the Belize Tourism Board has reaffirmed its commitment to lifting up local tour operators, helping them access international markets, and position Belize as a top cruise destination for global travelers.
This report is adapted from a transcript of a televised evening newscast.