RIVIERA MAYA, Mexico — The government of Belize has asked that the Maya Train be extended into its country, according to Belize’s prime minister.
The Riviera Maya News reports that Prime Minister Johnny Briceño said his county has made a formal request to Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, saying the move would strengthen regional ties and aid economic and tourism exchange.
Briceño said his country is proposing a two-phase expansion: first, an addition of just over 7 kilometers (about 4.3 miles) south from the the Mexican state of Quintana Roo into Belize; a spur of the Maya Train to Chetumal International Airport will pass within a mile of the Belizean border. Second, an addition through Belize into Guatemala to reach Tikal National Park, a site featuring extensive Mayan ruins. The national park is a straight-line distance of about 120 miles from Chetumal.
While studies are still needed, Briceño said the expansion would be highly beneficial to his country.
“It could open a new market for tourists,” he said, according to the Riviera Maya News, since those who come to Cancun are often from Europe and we don’t have many visitors from Europe, but rather they are Americans. With the Maya Train, it would be much easier for them to travel to Belize.” Also, he said, with plans for the Maya Train to begin freight service, “moving products from Mexico to Belize would be easier and also moving our products not only to Mexico, but to the United States and Canada. So it is an opportunity for everyone to win.”
The proposal is awaiting an official response, but Briceño said Sheinbaum indicated she supports the plan.
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