Director of Tourism Says Arrivals Are Up In September

Karen Bevans

But there was more good news for the tourism industry. While the most recent statistics on tourist arrivals to the Jewel have not been released officially as yet, today the Director of Tourism reported that tourism numbers are up. Karen Bevans revealed to the media that after a one percent decrease in arrivals earlier this year, the numbers have picked up and B.T.B. has been recording better numbers. For the month of September alone, Bevans says, there is a nineteen point three percent overall increase in visitors to Belize.

Karen Bevans, Director of Tourism

“I think a couple months ago, we did an interview and at that time, we had like a one percent reduction in arrivals. I am pleased to say that September we have a nineteen point three percent increase in arrivals. And that is an indication that things are changing, the market is changing and Southwest will just compliment that. Lower fares will definitely put more heads in beds because that is what we are all looking for international. The tourists are looking for that and definitely we can see major benefits for Belize. Overall for the last quarter, we also have major growth because our growth started June, July, August and September. Before that, we did an interview and as I said, we had a one percent reduction. But things turned around and since June, we have been having all increases in arrivals and we see that growth continuing.”

According to Bevans, in addition to Southwest, Copa Airlines from Panama which will begin flights in December is expected to stimulate the industry with an influx of visitors from Europe, South America and the rest of the Caribbean.