On April 29th The San Pedro Sun submitted more than a dozen letters along with this cover letter to both Mayor Guerrero and Minister of Tourism Hon. Manuel Heredia JR.
Mayor Daniel Guerrero
San Pedro Town
Ambergris Caye, Belize
Central America
April 29, 2015
Dear Mayor Guerrero,
Over the last few months, The San Pedro Sun has received many ‘letters to the editor’ from tourists who have visited our island.
It is with great concern that we are seeing a trend in unhappy visitors, and although several issues are addressed in these letters, there are two major areas of concern that stand out; traffic and garbage.
Although these letters are few compared to the number of guests we see in San Pedro, you have to imagine how many others left our island disappointed but did not write to us. Based on the comments these letters get when they are posted on our popular Facebook page, there are many, many others who share the same sentiments.
And…many are saying they won’t be back.
We feel that our guests have spoken in volumes, and their opinions are reflected in the recent TripAdvisor TRAVELERS’ CHOICE™ ISLANDS 2015 list. Where for the last two years Ambergris Caye was crowned #1 island IN THE WORLD, this year our dear home didn’t even make the Top 10 list.
It is time to take a serious look at what our island guests are saying, and as I wrote in my editorial dated April 16, 2015, many of the issues that visitors to the island find unappealing are the same things that are diminishing the quality of life for island residents.
We implore you to find the time to read the enclosed letters and take to heart the perilous edge we, as a tourist destination, are balancing on.
The San Pedro Sun is as committed to this beautiful island as you are, and we love her dearly. We are ready to assist you in any way possible to improve the tourist experience while ultimately improving our way of life as well.
Please, let’s work together and feel proud of the island home we invite so many to visit.
Sincerely,
Tamara Sniffin
Owner/Editor
The San Pedro Sun / MyBeautifulBelize
CC: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Manuel Heredia JR
