Find Tourism and Travel partners in Belize
- Overview
- Investment
Overview
The travel and tourism sector contributed BZD1.9m to the economy of Belize in 2011. The industry supported 40,000 jobs, including those indirectly supported, which constituted 30.1% of total employment (World Travel and Tourism Council – WTCC 2011). This placed it 17th out of 181 countries in terms of the industry’s relative contribution to the economy, with a 33.2% share of GDP, compared to the world average of 14% (WTTC 2011). In 2010 the country saw 238,000 tourist arrivals, 60% of which came from the United States. Canada provided the next largest country source market, alongside a significant number of arrivals from European countries. Belize retains its position as a common stop-off point for Caribbean cruises, with 764,628 cruise passenger arrivals in 2010. In 2011 visitor exports generated BZD534.6m, accounting for 30.5% of total exports from the country. The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is a statutory body within the Ministry of Tourism, which represents a strategic partnership between government and the private sector. It aims to make tourism a larger part of the Belizean economy, to include local communities within the industry, and to protect the local environment through its sustainable use. Organisations within the industry are represented by the Belize Tourism Industry Association and the Belize Eco-Tourism Association.
Investment
Tourism in Belize is focused on the country’s rich forests and ecosystems, and its unique and varied culture. The country is putting efforts into developing itself as a destination for family holiday makers. Its tourist activities and sites offer much to children of all ages, with more than 87 ecosystems, Mayan temples, tropical rainforests and the Western Hemisphere’s longest barrier reef, ideal for diving and snorkelling. Hotels are encouraging this angle, offering free accommodation to children under four and discounts for those under 12. There is a focus on selling customised family packages, including transportation, travel, accommodation and tourist attractions. Numerous wild-life and adventure activities are available in the country and continue to increase, with water sports, bird watching and hiking all being popular options.
The introduction of more flights to Belize in 2011 offered great potential for growth of the tourism industry. The Belize Tourism Board is keen to expand on this and is seeking to attract direct flights from Europe, to cater to the growing source market.
In 2011 investment in the travel and tourism sector was BZD179.7m, constituting 26.9% of the total investment of the country. This was expected to rise by 2.5% in 2012 and then continue to rise by 4.5% pa over the following ten years, reaching BZD287.1m by 2022.
Tourism and Travel organisations in Belize | |
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Belize Tourism Board |
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Belize Tradewinds |
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