Belize Tour guides
"Tour guides are an essential part of our country’s tourism network, given their direct interaction with the many visitors to our country. The network of tour guides is, therefore, crucial to the viability and long-term sustainability of Belize’s tourism industry. At some point during their stay in Belize, nearly all visitors make use of the services of Belize’s tour guides – from their arrival at the airport, to participating in selected day tours or multi-day itineraries throughout the country of Belize.

A professional tour guide assumes the role of an “expert” on Belize, functioning both as a host and educator, interpreting information in an accurate and engaging manner. As a host, a tour guide opens the door of his/her home-Belize- to tourists from around the world, treating them as guests, deserving of respect and hospitality. Successful tour guides have a positive, energetic and open approach to both tasks and people. In general, the tour guide must be able to transfer genuine enjoyment of people to his or her guests, in spite of how demanding they may get.

In his role as an educator, the professional tour guide shares information about Belize in an enjoyable and entertaining manner thereby encouraging word of mouth promotion by tourists about Belize. The tour guide in a small way therefore contributes to international understanding and increases cross-cultural awareness.

A tour guide is defined as one who leads, manages, or provides marine-based, terrestrial, or land-based tours. Furthermore, guides explain and show travelers Belize's attractions and introduce them to the different cultures.

In Belize, tour guiding has evolved with the needs of the tourism industry. In 1999, 706 tour guides, the majority being from Ambergris Caye, were operating in Belize. Today that number has increased by almost 40% and the majority are from the Belize District. Belize first became known as a diving destination, hence most tour guides operated in Ambergris Caye. Recently, cruise tourism has grown significantly, increasing the demand for tour guides in the Belize District.

In order to operate as a tour guide, one must be licensed by the Belize Tour Guide Licensing Committee, which was established in accordance with the Tour Guide Regulation instituted in 1994. The Tour Guide Licensing Committee stipulates that all tour guides must have recognized accreditation, be a Belizean citizen or of permanent residency with tour guiding as main occupation, and must be recommended by a recognized tour guide organization.

Tour guide accreditation was implemented in 1997 with the launch of the first formal tour guide training program. Since then, the program has adapted to the emerging needs of the industry. Recently specialized training and guidelines for marine tours and whale shark interaction have been developed."

Belize Tour Operators
"Tour operators play an important part in Belize’s tourism network as they provide tourism related services to the numerous travelers who are eager to discover Belize, Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret. By conducting thorough research into the various tourism services offered in Belize, tour operators are able to negotiate and enter into contracts with suppliers to put together exciting itineraries and attention-grabbing tour packages.

By being ethical, Belize’s tour operators assure visitors that they are traveling with professionals whose aim is to deliver quality service and value for their money.

A tour operator is defined as:

An individual, company or entity that operates and markets tour packages internationally, and subcontracts the provision of tour services to another individual, company, or entity in Belize;
An individual, company or entity that operates and markets tour packages internationally and executes, arranges organizes and/or coordinates tour packages of any nature to guests and visitors to Belize;
An individual, company, or entity which, either wholly or in part, provides, arranges or organizes tour journeys, or tourist services for visitors to Belize by way of transport, accommodation, tours or guides;
An individual, company or entity which executes arranges, organizes and/or coordinates dive and marine-based tour services.

Ground Handling Operation Services: services provided by a tour operator who does not market tour packages, but executes or provides tour packages on the ground to tourists or guests

In 1999 when the Tour Operators Regulation was established a total of 51 tour operators were offering their services in Belize. Today that number has quadrupled. Visitors rely on tour operators to create vacation packages that may be comprised of airfare, accommodations, transportation, and trips. Tour operators purchase vacation components such as hotel room, meals, tours, etc. at wholesale prices, assemble them into packages, then offer travelers a complete vacation package. Tour operators may be based locally or may manage holiday packages from offices outside Belize.

The Belize National Tour Operators Association (BNTOA) lobbies government according to the interests and concerns of the organization wile the Belize Tour Operator's Licensing Committee is responsible for the licensing or revocation of licenses, setting protocols, and establishing guidelines.

Licensed tour operators are required to utilize only licensed tour guides, to maintain valid licenses and insured tour safety equipment, possess valid insurance and take all necessary steps to safeguard the environmental, moral, historical and cultural integrity of Belize."