Always been that way part of the difference between QRP and residency also GOB just raised exit fees

the QRP is part of the tourism potfolio basically just long term tourists ergo exit fees apply.

Actually years ago people were told QRP were considered perm resident status and did not have to pay. Then GOB changes its mind and made QRP perm visitor status. That was at the time we arrived and pushed us to do residency over QRP

In the past the air fare has always included any taxes, so everyone paid regardless of status. I wondered if this was a different system to collect the tax? I have not heard of anyone else being asked to pay at the airport.

Some airlines included it some do not. You need to confirm with airlines first

If you are on the return half of your airline ticket purchased in the US or elsewhere not Belize, it has usually been included. If you are on the first leg of a return,or it is a one way ticket out purchased from Belize it is usually not included.
Just a basic rule of thumb but not all airlines work the same way so in some cases I could be wrong. You have to pay exit tax when crossing land borders too.

QRP pays NO exit fees