As the 2026 edition of the Centroamerica Travel Market (CATM) draws to a close in Guatemala City, a wave of international travel industry professionals is packing their bags for Belize, lured by the destination’s growing reputation as a must-visit Central American gem. For travel sellers, there is no better strategy to promote a destination than to experience its offerings firsthand – and that is exactly what these delegates are setting out to do.
CATM 2026 follows a structured format that combines industry networking, educational conference sessions, and pre- and post-event regional tours. This year, Belize beat out other regional destinations to secure the spot as the official post-conference tour, and the travel buyers who signed up say the choice was an easy one.
Speaking with News Five reporter Benita Keme-Palacio on the final day of the Guatemala City conference, delegates shared their individual motivations for selecting Belize as their post-conference destination, from growing client demand to personal curiosity about the country’s unspoiled natural and cultural attractions.
One European buyer noted that interest in Belize has spiked among Scandinavian and Canadian travelers, who often pair visits to Belize with trips to neighboring Guatemala. “I hear it’s a beautiful small Caribbean nation, and I need to see it for myself so I can accurately describe it to my clients,” he explained.
An Argentine delegate echoed that sentiment, saying that consumer demand for Belize has grown steadily in his home market, and the trip will give him the on-the-ground knowledge to promote the destination more effectively to Argentinian travelers.
For another buyer whose client base is largely made up of American travelers, Belize already ranks as their second-best-selling destination in Central America, thanks to the country’s world-class diving opportunities. The post-conference trip will allow them to explore new properties and activities to expand the range of offerings they can present to their customers.
Multiple delegates spoke to their excitement about exploring specific attractions in Belize. One frequent seller of Belize travel packages is particularly looking forward to visiting the laid-back island of Caye Caulker and the ancient Maya archaeological site of Lamanai, and is eager to experience the country’s sunny beaches and warm climate firsthand. Another delegate, who already fell in love with Belize on a past visit, returns this year to explore the less-visited Toledo District, saying Belize “has everything – there’s always more to discover.”
For a first-time visitor to Belize, the draw was the chance to cross a new Central American country off his list, having already explored Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala. The stunning coastal landscapes he saw online reminded him of his home in Roatán, and he said he’s been eager to visit the iconic Great Blue Hole ever since he first learned about the natural landmark.
Delegates will depart Guatemala City for Belize on Friday, where they will spend two days touring key attractions, meeting local hospitality operators, and getting the firsthand experience they need to confidently sell Belize to international travelers. As the global tourism industry continues to rebound from the impacts of the pandemic, destination experiences like this CATM post-conference tour are a critical tool for emerging tourism markets like Belize to grow their international visitor base and boost their reputation as a top-tier travel destination.