High hopes for Harvest Caye

That's why hopes are high for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' new destination, Harvest Caye in southern Belize.

'It's a game-changer for the cruise industry in Belize,' predicted Noriko Gamero, cruise director, Belize Tourism Board. She believes it will be an 'eye-opener' to what this world-famous ecotourism country offers.

'The concept, on an island, has kept the essence and culture. You won't see Diamonds International. You will see Belize artisans,' Gamero said.

'Belize's richness is its culture,' and Harvest Caye will highlight that, according to Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia. 'The most important thing we have in Belize is our people. They are so welcoming, so attentive to the tourists.'

Harvest Caye gives new opportunities for artisans, tour guides and other service providers. Hundreds of people will get new jobs, or better jobs, the minister said, adding: 'My dream has always been that the less fortunate can have a better way of living in this country.'

The destination is located about 182 kilometers/113 miles from Belize City, off the coast of Placencia, a sleepy resort and yachting/fishing destination.

Realizing Harvest Caye has been 'a long struggle' but its impact will be 'tremendous,' Heredia told Seatrade Cruise News.

There was opposition, mainly from expatriates with property around Placencia who feared their paradise would be overrun by cruise passengers. There were environmental concerns, too.

Heredia said numerous impact studies were carried out. 'I believe what many people thought would be negative things will disappear. In six months, they'll change their minds,' he said.

Spreading out tourism to the south will be good for the country as a whole, Heredia believes. Southern Belize has always been a 'sleeping' area, as he put it. 'We will make it a lively destination. In the next five to 10 years, it will not be the sleeping area any more.'

Harvest Caye is expected to provide 450 to 500 direct jobs, plus at least a thousand more indirect jobs. Dustin Bowen, ceo of PROvisions Belize, the food and beverage concessionaire for Harvest Caye, said 150 Belizeans will work for his outlets there.

Harvest Caye project leader Colin Murphy, svp destination development, Norwegian Cruise Line, said expatriates currently hold top management jobs because they have the experience needed to design and operate it. The intent is to coach and train Belizeans to eventually take over those roles.

Shifting some ships to Harvest Caye opens capacity for Belize to attract new callers, according to Gamero, who said there are plans for the Belize City port to be restructured and improved.

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