In an open letter sent to the Prime Minister, 6 of BTIA's past presidents write lamenting that they've participated from the infancy of the country's tourism industry to its present status as the largest employer and earner of foreign exchange.

It that first-hand experience, the past presidents note their concern that the Government authorized the cruise port on Harvest Caye.

The 6 reiterate the main point that this decision is the complete opposite to long-standing idea that Southern Belize is principally looked at as a true eco-tourism destination. They also mention that the decision, quote "violates the Ministry of Tourism's own explicit policy which was based upon extensive research, detailed independent studies and volumes of advice from local and international experts." End quote.

The letter adds that Belize's eco-tourism model is becoming increasingly rare and valuable, and according to them, mass cruise tourism is becoming more common and mundane. It continues that it is a fact that Government made the decision without consultation with the tourism partners, and as a result, they question what is really happening.

The 6 past presidents end by asking the ministers to quote,

"press the pause button and talk to the people who've worked for decades to position this country among the world's most desirable destinations." End Quote.

The letter is signed and delivered by Jim Scott, Lucy Fleming, Paul Hunt, Rosella Zabaneh, Steve Maestre, and Steve Schulte.

This evening, 7News contacted Paul Hunt who told us via email, quote,

" a cruise port to the south would then confirm the country of Belize as undeniably tilted toward cruise tourism, no longer appealing to the markets which cherish a unique experience, stay longer, spend more, and employ about 10,000 people nationwide. The result would be that stakeholders in overnight tourism would see the value of their investment decline". End Quote.