Breaking Travel News spotlight on: BELIZE

Belize is poised for strong tourism growth as the idyllic Central American destination welcomes new air lift.

The latest statistics for both overnight and cruise ship tourist arrivals provide a clear and strong signal that the tourism industry in Belize has recovered and is now poised to achieve higher records in 2023.

In 2022, the destination registered 370,524 overnight tourist arrivals –representing 69 per cent growth over the previous year. The year also registered 615,021 cruise tourism arrivals, with 40 cruise ship calls on Belizean ports in December 2022 alone.

A statement from the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) said: “We are pleased with the swift recovery of our industry and take note that the surge in international flights to Belize, assertive marketing in our source markets and the strong support and collaboration from industry stakeholders were the main elements for a successful year.”

The BTB added that it remains committed to proactively and effectively promoting Belize as a premier destination for the benefit of both Belizeans and international travellers and looks forward to the further growth of the tourism sector this year.

Air lift

Belize continues to be a growing, viable and a must-visit destination in Central America. A testament to this is the continuous increase of airline flights from Canada and North America during the winter season.

Late last year, WestJet resumed its flights to Belize from Toronto, Canada. Flights operate every Wednesday and Saturday from Toronto, and from Calgary on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays until the end of next month. Southwest Airlines also resumed a daily flight service from Houston, Texas, and a weekend service from Denver, Colorado.

Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines commenced flights with a four times per week non-stop service from Los Angeles, California, and three times per week non-stop service from Seattle, Washington. In addition to the above seasonal flights, other airlines continue to offer flights to Belize.

A statement added: “The Belize Tourism Board is delighted about the increase in the seasonal flights being offered by the airlines and welcomes all visitors to our shores. “Belize is a country where Mother Nature thrives abundantly. The distinctive blend offered by our rainforest and reef-based tourism, combined with unique experiences deeply rooted within our cultural fabric, our warm hospitality and excellent cuisine places our tourism in a class of its own.

“We are by all accounts a blessed country. It is therefore not surprising that visitors will always be spellbound with the kaleidoscope of beauty and attractions that Belize has to offer.”

More Information

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is the legislated body designed to govern, enhance and promote the Belize tourism product. The body undertakes numerous strategic initiatives as well as the implementation of tourism policies to address the changing needs of the tourism industry. The goal is to ensure the socioeconomic growth of Belize through prudent, transparent and effective governance.

To find out mor head over to the official tourism website at www.belizetourismboard.org or visit the Belize Tourism Board here at ITB Berlin in Hall 22/212.