Auction of Large Land Tract in Belize Moving Forward.

HOUSTON -- One of the largest auctions of property in the history of Central America is off to an accelerated start, according to officials involved with the land sale. The sale of nearly 17,000 acres of prime coastal property in the nation of Belize in a sealed bid auction has already attracted dozens of potential bidders, it was announced today by H. Frank Stanley of the Houston office of Cushman & Wakefield, which is overseeing the marketing of the property. "This is a fast paced process," said Stanley, "as we will be opening sealed bids on December 11, only five weeks away."

Situated less than ten minutes from the Belize International Airport and a half hour drive from Belize City, the property encompasses several separate tracts of land with incredible potential for either residential or resort development. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is being offered through Cushman & Wakefield by property owner Mayan Plantation Limited. Gerhart Walch, President of Belizea Corporation and Mayan Plantation Ltd., said today "we are pleased that there has been response so early in this auction process. It is our fervent desire to attract developers who desire to contribute to the growth of Belize. The potential uses of this property are limitless."

Stretching along 15 miles of oceanfront and 40 miles of combined lagoon shoreline, the land offers amenities such as a barrier reef for diving excursions, fly fishing and incredible adventure tourism opportunities. A 104-acre island purchased by actor Leonardo DiCaprio, for more than $25,000 US per acre, is currently being developed as an eco-resort within ten minutes by boat from the property and Ambergris Caye, famous for such television successes as Life Styles of the Rich and Famous and Temptation Island lies less than thirty minutes away. Adding to the area's appeal is an adjacent parcel of raw land immediately to the south of Mayan Plantation that is listed for sale at $3,800 US per acre.

There are also numerous ancient Mayan ruins on the property and one of the country's primary Mayan attractions, Altun Ha, is located only minutes away. Moreover, the development process is eased by the close proximity to the airport, the national highway, national power and water lines along the western border of the land, and water wells throughout the property providing potable water.

Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central or South America and a part of the British Commonwealth of Nations. In recent years, the government has begun creating tax incentives to stimulate the growth of tourism in Belize. Last year more than one million visitors came to Belize to take advantage of the weather, hospitality and diversity of the local culture. This was nearly a thirty percent jump from just five years earlier, despite the fact that Belize still does not have a major international hotel chain or golf course operator. Lourdes Smith, Executive Director of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service in Belize City, says her organization is "offering a one-stop center for investment and trade activities" that will "create job opportunities and increase foreign currency" in the country. Belize is a dynamic, emerging market with opportunities in all sectors," she said.

Mayan Plantation is offering two tracts of land in their auction -- a 920-acre piece of land along the ocean that is already subdivided resort/residential/commercial with ingress/egress, utility access, and development plans from the international resort design firm of Wimberly Alison Tong and Goo. Tract B, directly to the north and west, is a 15,960-acre spread with excellent potential for marina, residential, resort and golf course development and will be offered in absolute sale with Tract A. Tract B is also subdivided and rezoned for mixed use (resort, residential, commercial) with easy access to the rest of the country.

In addition to the two sealed bid parcels of land, Mayan Plantation Ltd. also owns a third tract, containing more than 15,000 acres directly to the north of Tracts A and B. This parcel contains thousands of acres of hardwood tropical forests, as well as another thirty miles of private lagoon and oceanfront property for development. While not currently listed for sale, about 11,000 acres of this property could be available to the right buyer or joint venture partner.

For more information on this exclusive offering, or to receive auction documents, interested parties should contact H. Frank Stanley, B. Kelly Parker or John F. Littman of Cushman & Wakefield at 713-331-1800. Documents and information about the auction and details about the property can also be found at www.Belizea.com. Cooperating brokerage firms, which can realize a three percent (3%) commission, are welcome to participate in the locating potential buyers.

KEY WORDS FOR SEARCH ENGINES:

Mayan Plantation

Belizea Corporation

Gerhart Walch

Belize