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Courtney Weatherburne reporting
Ft. Lauderdale is known for its broad beachfront promenade, its luxury hotels and its Culture and Art museums. And this weekend many tourists traveled to the city to enjoy all these attractions, others were just glad to get back home to their familiar multilane highways and shopping centers.

But for those heading out of Ft. Lauderdale on Southwest Airlines' Sunday morning flight, the trip was more than just another vacation hop.

Courtney Weatherburne, 7News
"We are here at the Ft. Lauderdale International Airport. It's a City in South Florida that's 30 miles North of Miami. Many Belizeans aren't familiar with this city but Southwest Airlines is hoping it becomes a household name by making it one of their major hubs into Latin American and the Caribbean."

And of course one of those Caribbean destinations that will benefit from this new connection is Belize.

In October 2015, Southwest launched its first daily non-stop flight from Houston to Belize and tourist arrivals have steadily increased since then.

Karen Bevans, Director of Tourism
"It was a significant success, I think over 30 percent growth in tourism that year and 2016 was, I would say was record breaking because of the Southwest launch from Houston Hobby."

Bevans anticipates that same boom in tourist arrivals with Southwest's new direct flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Belize, a connection that will benefit both tourists and Belizean travelers.

Karen Bevans, Director of Tourism
"Now Ft. Lauderdale and a route that is highly demanded by Belizeans as well and of course the international travelers from South Florida, we are expecting similar growth in tourism because of this, we are co-marketing with Southwest, we partner for different marketing initiatives, today as you can see it is a celebration of the different destinations."

Brad Hawkins, Spokesman, Southwest Airlines; Dallas
"South Florida is a passion point for Belizeans and we know that, there is the shopping, there is the medical but for us it is a new facility that brings people into South Florida and then allows us to connect you to the rest of the Unites States. We are the largest airline in the United States and we have done by offering 2 checked bags for free for every customer, we don't charge change fees and we do that with low fares and amazingly friendly people."

And it's those free check in bags, affordable rates and quality service that draws travelers to Southwest Airlines, but even more so now with this new direct flight.

Shasta Lewis, Traveler
"I am from Chicago Illinois but I am a Belizean by birth."

Courtney Weatherburne
"So you were born in Belize but lived in..?"

Shasta Lewis, Traveler
"I was born in the states but I claim Belizean all the way."

Courtney Weatherburne
"So you have family and friends in Belize?"

Shasta Lewis, Traveler
"Yes ma'am, yes ma'am family all over from in the city, to Dangriga, yes ma'am."

Courtney Weatherburne
"What are your thoughts in terms of the service, is this your first time flying Southwest?"

Shasta Lewis, Traveler
"The service was great, we had a very humorous pilot, so it was really fun, they passed out snacks, the service was really good, it was fantastic."

"I didn't even know that Ft. Lauderdale connected to Belize so that's something new for us so I'm excited, I'm excited to do this more."

Tom Sullivan, Hotel Owner, Caye Caulker
"We almost always fly Southwest because of the two free bags because it makes a difference because we are always bringing stuff down from the states so it saves money and also when Southwest started to come into Belize the airline tickets dropped for all the airlines so we are big fans of Southwest."

Elston Allen, Traveler
"I live in Florida but I originally lived in New York, but when I decided to go to Belize Florida was the closes thing so."

Courtney Weatherburne
"And it will be even easier for you to travel now from Ft. Lauderdale to Belize."

Elston Allen, Traveler
"Yes, I am telling you because when I live out here, I live out in Delray, it's only 30 minutes drive, can't beat it."

Southwest Airlines will be even harder to beat after they open their fancy, new concourse at Terminal one in the Ft. Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport.

Brad Hawkins, Spokesman, Southwest Airlines; Dallas
"It's going to be opening slowly over the next month but it is 5 new gates , and for anyone in Belize who has flown into South Florida and had a certain experience, we have a new customs and border protection facility, it's beautiful, it's airy, it's got windows and light and lots of automation."

And with those plans in place and a clear vision ahead for Southwest and Belize, the flight was officially opened yesterday.

The passengers boarded the plane on the charter flight to Belize from Ft. Lauderdale, a journey travelers will certainly get used to and one that the Belize tourism industry heartily welcomes.

Southwest also flies from Belize to Denver, Colorado on Saturday's. And apart from Belize, Southwest also has flights to Grand Cayman, Cancun and Montego Bay Jamaica from Ft. Lauderdale.