Launching A Tour Company In Belize: A Beginner's Guide

Belize is a small country in Central America, packed with adventures and famous for its rainforests, Mayan ruins, Barrier Reef, and the Blue Hole. Tourists from all over the world are attracted to its natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, rich cultural experiences, and friendly, English-speaking locals.

With a growing tourism industry, Belize presents a lucrative opportunity for those looking to start a tour company. This introduction will cover the key considerations for establishing a tour business in Belize, including licensing requirements, taxes, banking, and connectivity.

Choosing a niche: adventure, nature, Mayan history, etc

When starting a tour company in Belize, choosing a niche is an important step. Here are some options to consider:

Adventure

Belize is a small country packed with adventure opportunities. Tourists can enjoy scuba diving, exploring ancient Maya ruins, snorkelling in coral reefs, and much more. If you want to focus on the adventure niche, consider offering a range of activities such as cave exploration, ziplining, hiking, wildlife watching, and swimming in cascading waterfalls.

Nature

Belize is famous for its diverse natural attractions, including rainforests, the Barrier Reef, and the Blue Hole. Nature tour companies can offer experiences such as birdwatching, rainforest exploration, and snorkelling to discover the country's rich marine life.

Mayan History

Belize is considered the heartland of Maya civilisation, with numerous significant archaeological sites, ancient cities, Mayan Ruins, and sacred cave complexes. Tour companies specialising in Mayan history can take visitors to explore these sites, including the ceremonial centre of Xunantunich, the ancient city of Caracol, and the Tikal National Park in Guatemala.

Cultural

Cultural tours are also a popular option in Belize. Tour operators can offer experiences that delve into the country's rich cultural heritage, including its history, archaeology, and traditional crafts and healing techniques still practised by the Maya people.

Water-based Activities

With its coastline and diverse marine life, Belize offers numerous water-based activities. Tour companies can offer snorkelling, sailing, scuba diving, and fishing experiences. Some companies also provide romantic sunset cruises or combine water activities with land-based tours for a full-day adventure.

When choosing a niche, consider your passions, expertise, and the unique experiences you can offer to create memorable tours for your customers.

Company registration and licensing

To operate a business within a town or city in Belize, you need a trade license. Foreigners usually open a local 250 company to operate their businesses. Here are some of the most common licenses required:

• Food handlers' licenses: All kitchen staff require food handlers' licenses from the Department of Health.
• Liquor licenses: Issued by the Belize Tourist Board if you want to manage rentals through online booking sites, including Vrbo.
• Hotel licenses or Airbnb license: Issued by the Belize Tourist Board if you want to manage rentals through online booking sites, including Vrbo.
• Central Building Authority permit: All new buildings in Belize require a CBA permit, as do those being retrofitted for tourism use. Buildings under 93 square meters don't require engineer-certified drawings, but buildings over 93 square meters do. You must apply through the CBA and pay an application and acceptance fee when approved.

Until you get some form of Belize residency, you won't be able to open a personal domestic bank account. You'll only be able to open an account with the offshore banks. Heritage Bank and Caye International Bank are the most active offshore banks.

If you want a local Belize-dollar bank account as a non-resident, you must form a local company and have that company open a bank account. Once you're a legal resident of Belize, you can open a personal Belize-dollar account. Here's what you'll need to open a bank account in Belize:

• Two bank references or one bank and one professional reference, detailing how long the referee has known you, what profession they know you to be in, and something about your good character.
• Completed application forms, available from the bank.

Bank account setup

To set up a bank account for your tour company in Belize, you will need to decide on the type of bank account that best suits your needs. There are two categories of corporate bank accounts in Belize: Class A and Class B.

A-Class accounts require the holder to establish, maintain and operate a business in Belize, either as an independent company or as part of a larger franchise. This type of account is best suited for those who plan to domicile in the country.

On the other hand, B-Class accounts are restricted-license accounts with similar requirements and applications as the A-Class license but are limited to specific offshore banking activities as stated in the license. B-Class accounts are ideal for companies that want to take advantage of Belize's favourable tax laws and the banking sector's culture of privacy and confidentiality.

Once you have decided on the type of account, you will need to gather the necessary documents to open a corporate account. These typically include:

• A notarized copy of your passport
• A filled-out and signed application form
• Proof of address or residency
• A copy of a utility bill
• A notarized certificate of incorporation
• A certificate of shareholders
• A notarized memorandum of association
• A letter of undertaking

Some banks may also require additional documentation, such as social security numbers, company licenses, or driver's licenses. It is important to note that Central Bank of Belize approval must be obtained prior to opening an account, and a copy of this approval must be provided to the bank. There is also a minimum initial deposit of $200 required after the account has been approved and opened.

Phone and internet access

Belize has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, with two major service providers: the government-owned Belize Telemedia Limited (operating under the brand name "Digicell") and the privately-held SMART SPEEDNET (operating as "Smart Telecom Belize"). Both companies offer a range of cellular and internet services that can be useful for your tour company. Here's what you need to know:

Cellular Service

Cellular phone and internet access rates in Belize are the highest in Central America, so it's important to choose a plan that fits your budget and needs. Both Digicell and Smart offer two types of plans: Post-Paid and Pre-Paid.

Digicell

Digicell's Post-Paid plans are suitable for businesspersons, Belizeans, or expatriates. They offer the advantage of a permanent cell number, and if you lose your phone or SIM card, you can get a replacement SIM with the same number for a nominal charge. Digicell also provides digital service on the GSM dual-band 850/1900 MHz technology and a 4G LTE network.

Smart Telecom Belize

Smart Telecom Belize offers similar services to Digicell but utilizes the CDMA network spectrum. They typically offer slightly lower prices compared to Digicell. Smart Telecom began operations in March 2005 and delivers all its services over Wi-Fi and air spectrum.

Internet Access

Internet access in Belize has improved significantly, and it is now widely available throughout the country at affordable prices. Here are the options you can consider for your tour company:

DSL or ADSL

DSL or ADSL lines provide high-speed broadband internet access, similar to traditional telephone lines. Both DigiCell and Smart offer DSL services with various tiers, including unlimited internet plans. DigiCell's unlimited plan starts at 55 Belizean dollars (approximately US $27.50) per month in select locations, while the national telephone company, Belize Telemedia Limited, offers DSL plans starting at just 39 Belizean dollars (US $19.50) per month.

Wireless Internet

Both DigiCell and Smart offer wireless internet services with pre-paid bundles and monthly subscriptions suitable for cell phones, tablets, and personal computers. They also provide "combo" plans that include unlimited text messages, internet data usage, and voice call minutes.

Satellite Internet

If your tour company operates in remote rural areas, satellite internet can be an excellent option. It provides connectivity even in the most distant locations. Several companies, including American and Canadian providers, offer satellite access, but it tends to be more expensive. When choosing a satellite internet provider, ensure they are compliant with government taxes and access fees.

Fiber Optic Internet

Belize has also upgraded its internet infrastructure with fiber optic technology, providing high-speed and reliable connections. DigiCell offers various plans, including the DigiNet Boost Plans, with speeds ranging from 20Mbps to 150Mbps, and the DIGIONE quadplay offer, providing 200Mbps down and 100Mbps up speeds for a higher-end plan.

Practical Tips for Staying Connected

• Bring your own smartphone: Having a smartphone will allow you to stay connected via Wi-Fi and take advantage of the widespread internet access in Belize.
• Utilize Wi-Fi hotspots: Hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, and other tourist facilities in Belize often provide Wi-Fi hotspots. These can be a budget-friendly way to stay connected without incurring international roaming charges.
• Consider a MiFi device: A MiFi device (wireless router) can be useful for connecting all your devices to the internet anywhere in the country, including offshore islands.

By leveraging the available phone and internet access options in Belize, you can ensure that your tour company stays connected and provides excellent service to your customers.

Marketing and customer acquisition

• Online Presence: Establish a professional website that showcases your tour packages, customer testimonials, and easy booking options. Optimize the website for search engines to improve visibility and make it mobile-friendly as many travellers book on their phones.
• Social Media Marketing: Utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to showcase your tours visually. Share engaging content, including photos and videos of Belize's attractions, and interact with potential customers.
• Partner with Influencers: Collaborate with travel bloggers, vloggers, or social media influencers who can promote your tours to their audience. Look for those with a strong following in your target market.
• Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): List your tour company on popular OTAs such as TripAdvisor, TravellersQuest, and TourRadar. These platforms are widely used by travellers and can increase your reach.
• Local Collaboration: Partner with local hotels, resorts, and tour operators to cross-promote each other. You can also offer commissions to local travel agents or influencers who refer customers to your company.
• Content Marketing: Create informative blog posts or videos about Belize's attractions, culture, and history. Share tips and insights that will be valuable to potential customers. This establishes your company as a trusted source of information.
• Email Marketing: Build an email list and send targeted newsletters to promote your tours and special offers. You can also use email automation to follow up with past customers and encourage repeat bookings.
• Networking: Attend travel industry events, conferences, and trade shows to network with potential partners and customers. Building relationships with industry professionals can lead to referrals and collaborations.
• Advertising: Invest in targeted online advertising campaigns on social media platforms and Google AdWords. You can also explore print advertising in travel magazines or local Belize tourism guides.
• Customer Referrals: Encourage satisfied customers to share their experiences by leaving reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor or by word-of-mouth. You can also offer referral incentives, such as discounts or loyalty rewards, to customers who refer new clients.
• Community Engagement: Engage with the local community and participate in tourism-related events. Sponsoring or organizing events can increase your company's visibility and build trust with potential customers.

By implementing these strategies and providing exceptional customer service, your tour company in Belize will be well on its way to success in customer acquisition and marketing.

Frequently asked questions