Mid-Year Tourism Stats Show Increase in Overnight and Cruise Ship Arrivals

The most recent figures in tourist arrivals show that more persons are choosing Belize as their holiday destination; be it as a family, a group of friends and even honeymooners. The mid-year stats show that overnight arrivals have grown by six percent and cruise arrivals are up by ten point eight percent up to June. For the past three years, cruise tourism has exceeded the one million mark, with 2018 showing a one point two million figure. From 2010 to date, there has been continuous growth in overnight tourism and the projection is that the growth will continue through 2019. Marketing and Industry Relations Manager Jocelle Stephen says that the industry is dynamic and vulnerable at the same time and with the increase in tourist arrivals in Belize, the dialogue continues in ensuring that stakeholders can also expand to meet the demand.

Jocelle Stephen

Jocelle Stephen, Marketing and Industry Relations Manager, B.T.B.

“Our marketing strategies have definitely contributed to that. And not just the B.T.B.’s; our industry stakeholders, the BHA, the B.T.I.A., our hoteliers…they are also doing their part in marketing Belize. There are so many articles that you see that are popping up on the internet. So many things about Belize and even what we are doing in terms of ecotourism and all of that is playing a part. People are now so interested in the fact that we are an eco tourist destination. We have a lot more to do, but we are getting there and we are seeing that Belize is no longer a hidden destination. It’s no longer secret; it is on the top of minds of people.”

Reporter

“Over the last three years, the numbers have grown exponentially and it seems that the trajectory is that the numbers will continue to increase. What has the conversation been like between the B.T.B. and the BHA in terms of ensuring that accommodations are available for the projected increase in arrivals in the tourism industry?”

Jocelle Stephen

“Yes that is a conversation that is being had with the BHA and all different sectors; it is not only the hotels. But think about the fact that we have increased airlines that are coming in; that calls for airport expansion as well. And so we do have collaboration with all the relevant entities on how we can expand. I don’t have the forecasted figure, but there is a figure in terms of how much it needs to grow by.”