Belize's Tourism Appeal: A Look At The Numbers

Belize welcomed 467,722 overnight visitors in 2023, marking a 25% increase from 2022. The country recorded approximately 371,000 international overnight visitor arrivals in 2022, up by almost 70% from the previous year. In 2021, Belize received 219,000 tourists, ranking 92nd in the world and first in Central America in absolute terms. Tourism in Belize has grown considerably in recent years, and it is now the second-largest industry in the nation.

Visitor numbers in 2023

Belize welcomed 467,722 overnight visitors in 2023, marking a 25% increase from 2022. Despite this growth, the figures fell just short of pre-pandemic levels, where a record-breaking 503,166 overnight tourists were recorded in 2019.

Belize's tourism industry has experienced steady growth and is the second-largest industry in the nation, but it remains relatively modest compared to neighbouring countries. For example, Mexico attracted over 40 million tourists, and Guatemala drew approximately 2.5 million visitors.

In 2023, 68% of visitors to Belize were from the US, with most American tourists coming from Texas, California, Florida, Colorado, and New York. These travellers typically enjoy visiting Belize as it's only a few hours away by plane, it's an English-speaking country, and it offers beach and jungle adventures.

The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, over 450 offshore cayes (islands), excellent fishing, safe waters for windsurfing, and swimming are just some of the attractions that support Belize's thriving tourism industry.

The majority (77%) of overnight visitors to Belize in 2023 entered through Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City. The Belize-Guatemala border accounted for 14% of visitors, while the Belize-Mexico border saw 6%.

Belize's tourism sector generated around $374 million in 2021, contributing to 13.21% of its GDP. This shows a notable increase in the country's dependence on tourism since 1995, when tourism revenues amounted to $78 million, or 12.57% of the gross national product.

Visitor numbers in 2022

Belize welcomed approximately 371,000 international overnight visitor arrivals in 2022, a 70% increase compared to 2021. This growth is impressive, but the figures still fall short of pre-pandemic levels. For instance, in 2019, Belize recorded 503,166 overnight tourists, and in 2012, the country welcomed nearly one million tourists for the first time in its history.

Despite the recent expansion of its tourism industry, Belize remains a less popular destination than its neighbouring countries. For example, in 2023, Mexico attracted over 40 million tourists, and Guatemala drew approximately 2.5 million visitors. Belize's tourism industry is the second-largest in the nation and is crucial to its economy. The country offers a wide range of attractions, including the Belize Barrier Reef, offshore islands, excellent fishing spots, safe waters for windsurfing and swimming, and numerous rivers for rafting and kayaking. It also boasts various jungle and wildlife reserves for hiking, bird watching, and helicopter tours, as well as Maya ruins.

In 2021, Belize generated around $374 million in the tourism sector, contributing to 13.21% of its gross domestic product and approximately 5% of all international tourism receipts in Central America. The country's tourism revenues have increased significantly over the years, with sales of $527 million in 2019, a 22.08% contribution to the gross national product. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp decline in 2020, with receipts dropping to $247 million, a 53% decrease.

Belize's overnight visitors primarily enter the country through the Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City (77% in 2023). The Belize-Guatemala border accounted for 14% of international visitors, while the Belize-Mexico border saw 6%. In terms of accommodation, Belize mainly offers boutique hotels and resorts, with around 900 hotels in total, each with an average of 10 to 15 rooms.

Visitor numbers in 2021

Belize welcomed 219,000 tourists in 2021, ranking 92nd in the world. However, when we consider the number of tourists relative to the population of Belize, the country jumps to 40th in the world, with 0.54 tourists per resident. In Central America, it ranked 1st.

Belize generated around $374 million in the tourism sector in 2021, accounting for 13.21% of its gross domestic product and approximately 5% of all international tourism receipts in Central America. This significant contribution to the economy has led to the government designating tourism as its second development priority after agriculture.

Each tourist who visited Belize in 2021 spent approximately $1,579, contributing to the country's tourism revenue. This spending is a crucial aspect of the industry, as it brings income to various sectors, including accommodation, transportation, food and beverage, and entertainment.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Belize's tourism industry in 2020, with tourist receipts plummeting. However, the country's tourism sector showed signs of recovery in 2021, with the number of visitors increasing and revenue streams improving.

Visitor numbers in 2019

Belize welcomed a record-breaking 503,166 overnight tourists in 2019, marking pre-pandemic peak numbers. In comparison, the country attracted 467,722 overnight visitors in 2023, a 25% increase from 2022. Belize's tourism industry has experienced steady growth, yet it remains modest compared to neighbouring countries. For instance, Mexico attracted over 40 million tourists, while Guatemala drew approximately 2.5 million visitors.

Belize's tourism sector has grown significantly in recent years, becoming the country's second-largest industry. In 2012, the nation welcomed almost one million tourists for the first time in its history, with tourist arrivals totalling 917,869, including about 584,683 from the United States. This surge in tourism had a positive impact on various industries, including agriculture, commerce, finance, and construction.

Tourism is a crucial aspect of Belize's economy, contributing over 18% of the GDP in 2007 and providing more than 25% of all jobs. The country's diverse attractions, including the Belize Barrier Reef, numerous offshore cayes, and abundant natural reserves, support a thriving tourism and ecotourism industry. Despite its many attractions, Belize remains among the least visited countries in the region.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Belize's tourism industry, with tourist receipts witnessing a 53% decrease between 2019 and 2020. In 2021, the country welcomed 219,000 tourists, a sharp decline from pre-pandemic levels, but still ranking 40th in the world when adjusted for population.

Visitor numbers in 2012

In 2012, Belize welcomed almost one million tourists in a calendar year for the first time in its history. Tourist arrivals totalled 917,869, with around 584,683 of those visitors coming from the US. This was a significant milestone for Belize, as tourism is a crucial part of the country's economy, contributing to over 25% of all jobs in 2007 and making up over 18% of the GDP.

Belize's tourism industry has grown rapidly over the last decade, and it is now the second-largest industry in the nation. This growth has positively impacted other sectors, including agriculture, commerce, finance, and construction. The country's diverse attractions, such as the Belize Barrier Reef, offshore cayes, and Maya ruins, have drawn a large number of adventure tourists and eco-tourists.

The increase in tourism has also provided new opportunities for local communities, such as the Maya and Garifuna people, to participate in alternative markets, promote their culture, and diversify their income.

In 2012, tourist receipts in Belize amounted to over $1.3 billion, demonstrating the substantial economic impact of the tourism industry on the country.

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