Tourism Stats: Is 2023 Going to Surpass Pre-COVID Figures?

Around this time three years ago, Belize had been locked off from the world. It was one of many protective measures taken to protect Belizeans from the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus. All tourism related activities came to a screeching halt and there were no visitors coming into the country. But as restrictions were eased the influx of international tourists resumed, and the industry resurged. While tourism figures are on an upward the number of overnight visitors is still not where it was pre-pandemic.  While with the Director of Tourism, Evan Tillett, the media asked about the projection for 2023.

Evan Tillett

Evan Tillett, Director of Tourism, B.T.B.

“The data is showing that there is growth over 2022. In the first quarter, I think that we are growing and the numbers are good. My team will put out the numbers shortly for the first quarter, but it is optimistic. I think the road ahead will have some challenges, but I think that we must address those as they come. we expect that by the end of 2023, we will be somewhere around ninety, ninety-one percent of where we were 2019 – fully recovered and on a growth path for 2024.”