Twelfth Global Studies Conference

Abstract

As the number of lifestyle migrants (also referred to as residential tourists or amenity migrants) continues to increase, the challenges at the local scale also grow. Belize has long been a popular destination for these migrants and the implications on local communities is varied and uneven. My research in this area revolves around the differentiated experiences in this small country that has encouraged and been very accommodating to lifestyle migrants. This paper will explore the short term issues confronted by two local communities as well as a discussion of the long term prospects. In the short term, there is some financial gain and employment opportunities, though with environmental and cultural challenges. The long term sustainability is more questionable and this author suggests that it may be another example of “Boom and Bust” that have plagued Latin America for centuries.