Olo Caye gathered local business executives and members of the press earlier this week for an informational briefing and working breakfast.
During the session, the company’s executive leadership and select partners outlined the strategic roadmap toward the planned October 2028 opening, shared key design and engineering milestones for the future facilities and reviewed economic projections underscoring the project’s commitment to expanding the nation’s tourism sector.
The event featured a panel comprising Piero Dibattista, President of Olo Caye, Luis Ajamil, Chief Executive Officer at Bermello Ajamil and Partners and economist Héctor David Paz, author of the economic impact assessment detailing the project’s projected figures.
An open-platform vision for Belize
Piero Dibattista opened the briefing by outlining an open-destination philosophy designed to direct visitor spending into Belize’s broader economy, moving away from the isolated, gated enclaves typical of traditional cruise ports.
“We are not just building a port; we are anchoring a future where growth and local enterprise are at the heart of everything we do,” said Piero Dibattista, President of Olo Caye. “Olo Caye operates on a virtuous cycle: our success is intrinsically tied to local participation. We provide the infrastructure and attract visitors, while Belizean entrepreneurs, tour operators and artisans shape the authentic experience. This thriving ecosystem ensures that economic benefits circulate throughout the community, placing Belizeans directly at the center of shared national prosperity.”
Independent economic assessment: driving national growth
Economist Héctor David Paz summarized findings from the independent Economic Impact Study, highlighting how the project acts as a domestic economic catalyst:
- Investment equal to 7.9% of projected 2028 GDP: The USD 300 million planned capital outlay represents a major long-term commitment to national tourism infrastructure.
- Up to USD 230.5 million in annual visitor spending: Gross visitor spend is projected between USD 82.7 million and USD 230.5 million annually, based on an average onshore benchmark of USD 87.42 per passenger.
- 946,400 to 2.64 million annual visitor arrivals: Across 338 annual calling events, arrivals could reach up to 3.0 times total national cruise disembarkations recorded in 2025.
- Expanded commercial space for local enterprise: Over 3,200 m² of dedicated retail and dining space, paired with 20 kiosks reserved specifically for local tour operators.
The complete Economic Impact Study is available for download on the Olo Caye website.
World-Class port architecture and engineering
Acclaimed maritime architect Luis Ajamil presented the technical layout developed during design sessions in Miami, emphasizing how the modern infrastructure and dual-hub operational strategy will support Belize’s long-term tourism goals:
- Dual-Berth Maritime Engineering: Dedicated structural berths designed to dock contemporary cruise ships safely, entirely eliminating delays and logistical hurdles associated with offshore tendering.
- Dual-Hub Operational Synergy: Seamless integration between the island destination and Marine Mile 5, the mainland transit hub designed for the rapid dispatch of visitors to inland excursions.
- Dedicated Local Commerce: Retail spaces and kiosks reserved exclusively for independent Belizean tour operators, licensed guides, and local artisans.
- Environmental and Utility Self-Sufficiency: Independent on-site power generation, a dedicated desalination facility and advanced wastewater treatment systems will ensure zero demand on municipal utility grids.
Media Contact
Olocaye@llyc.global