Uk Travellers Flock To Belize: Annual Visitor Numbers Revealed

Belize welcomed 467,722 overnight visitors in 2023, marking a 25% increase from 2022. In 2022, Belize recorded approximately 371,000 international overnight visitor arrivals, up by almost 70% compared to 2021. While Belize's tourism industry is experiencing steady growth, 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 2012, Belize welcomed almost one million tourists in a calendar year for the first time in its history.

In 2022, Belize recorded 371,000 international overnight visitor arrivals

Belize's diverse attractions, including its natural and historic sites, have drawn an increasing number of international tourists. In 2012, Belize welcomed nearly one million tourists for the first time in its history, with tourist arrivals totalling 917,869. Of these, about 584,683 were from the United States, highlighting the importance of the North American market for Belize's tourism industry.

The growth in tourism has positively impacted various sectors in Belize, including agriculture, commerce, finance, and construction. It has also contributed significantly to the nation's economy, with tourism generating over 18% of Belize's GDP in 2007.

The Belize Tourism Board, under the Ministry of Tourism, plays a crucial role in promoting and developing the industry. With its array of attractions and the government's commitment to development, Belize is well-positioned to continue attracting international visitors and strengthening its tourism sector.

While the exact number of UK visitors to Belize each year is unclear, it is worth noting that Belize is a popular destination for travellers from North America due to its proximity, shared language, and appealing beach and jungle adventures.

In 2012, Belize welcomed almost 1 million tourists for the first time in its history

Prior to its independence in 1981, Belize was not considered a tourist destination due to inadequate infrastructure. However, the rapid expansion of the tourism industry over the last decade has transformed it into the country's second-largest industry. Belize offers a diverse range of attractions for tourists, including adventure and eco-tourism. The country's natural attractions, such as the Belize Barrier Reef, offshore cayes, rivers, and jungle reserves, provide excellent opportunities for fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking.

In 2012, tourist arrivals totalled 917,869, with about 584,683 visitors from the United States alone. This influx of tourists contributed significantly to the local economy, with tourist receipts amounting to over $1.3 billion. The development of the tourism industry has been a priority for the Belizean government, and it has designated significant resources to promote and support this sector.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Belize's tourism industry, with a sharp decline in visitor arrivals in 2020. However, the country has shown resilience, and by 2022, it recorded approximately 371,000 international overnight visitor arrivals, reflecting a nearly 70% increase compared to the previous year. This recovery showcases the continued appeal of Belize as a sought-after tourist destination.

Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world

The Belize Barrier Reef is a series of coral reefs that straddles the country's coast, sitting roughly 300 metres (980 feet) offshore in the north and 40 kilometres (25 miles) in the south. It is a part of the 900-kilometre-long (560-mile) Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which extends from Cancún on the northeastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula through the Riviera Maya down to Honduras.

The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, comprises seven protected areas: Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, Blue Hole Natural Monument, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, South Water Caye Marine Reserve, Glover's Reef Marine Reserve, Laughing Bird Caye National Park, and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve. These protected areas make up 12% of the entire reef complex.

The reef system is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. It hosts 70 hard coral species, 36 soft coral species, and hundreds of invertebrate species. It is also a significant habitat for threatened species, including marine turtles, manatees, and the American marine crocodile. The area is also home to the world's largest population of West Indian manatees.

The Belize Barrier Reef has been described as "the most remarkable reef in the West Indies" by Charles Darwin in 1842. It is a popular site for tourists, offering opportunities for scuba diving and snorkelling. The reef has also been a source of seafood, particularly lobster and conch.

Despite protective measures, the reef remains under threat from oceanic pollution, uncontrolled tourism, shipping, and fishing. Other threats include hurricanes and global warming, which cause coral bleaching. Scientists claim that over 40% of Belize's coral reef has been damaged since 1998.

In 2023, 68% of visitors to Belize were from the US

Belize welcomed approximately 371,000 international overnight visitor arrivals in 2022, which was an increase of almost 70% compared to 2021. In 2012, Belize welcomed almost one million tourists in a calendar year for the first time in its history. Tourist arrivals totalled 917,869 that year, with about 584,683 from the US—63.7% of the total.

Tourism is now the second-largest industry in Belize. The country has a large array of diverse attractions, including the Belize Barrier Reef, over 450 offshore islands, excellent fishing, safe waters for windsurfing, swimming, cave rafting, boating, paddleboarding, scuba diving, and snorkelling, numerous rivers for rafting and kayaking, and various jungle and wildlife reserves for hiking, bird watching, and helicopter touring. There are also many Maya ruins, and the country has some of the earliest and most important Maya ruins.

Tourism is an important part of Belize's economy, contributing to over 25% of all jobs and making up over 18% of the GDP. The Belizean Prime Minister, Dean Barrow, has stated his intention to use tourism to combat poverty throughout the country. The growth in tourism has positively affected the agricultural, commercial, and finance industries, as well as the construction industry.

Belize's tourism industry is the second-largest industry in the nation

Belize offers a range of experiences that cater to different types of tourists, from eco-tourists to adventure seekers. The country's natural attractions, such as the Belize Barrier Reef (the second largest in the world), over 450 offshore cayes (islands), and numerous rivers and jungles, provide ample opportunities for activities like fishing, swimming, cave rafting, boating, scuba diving, and hiking. The country is also home to various wildlife reserves, including the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, which offer visitors the chance to explore diverse flora and fauna.

In addition to its natural attractions, Belize also boasts a number of historical and cultural sites, including Maya ruins and archaeological reserves. Before the arrival of Europeans in America, Belize lay in the heartland of the Maya civilisation, and it still contains some of the earliest and most important Maya ruins. These sites, such as Caracol and Lamanai, offer visitors a glimpse into the country's rich historical and cultural heritage.

The growth of Belize's tourism industry has had a positive impact on other sectors of the economy, including agriculture, commerce, finance, and construction. The government of Belize has recognised the potential of the tourism sector and has designated it as the second development priority after agriculture. The industry contributes significantly to the nation's economy, with tourist arrivals totalling 917,869 in 2012, and tourist receipts amounting to over $1.3 billion.

The Belize Tourism Board, under the Ministry of Tourism, plays a crucial role in linking the private and public sectors to promote and develop the industry. With its diverse attractions and the continued support of the government and industry stakeholders, Belize's tourism industry is well-positioned for further growth and success in the coming years.

Frequently asked questions