The Belize Tourism Board announced that tourism arrivals in 2019 surpassed the half million mark for the first time in the history of its tourism development. The tourism office credits strategic marketing initiatives promoting Belize globally, collaboration with local and international partners, increases in international direct flights to Belize and the development of tourism resources and destinations across the country.

In 2019, a total of 503,177 overnight visitors arrived in Belize, an increase of 2.8 percent from 489,261 in 2018.

The National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan endorsed in 2012, has a goal of achieving overnight arrivals of 556,000 by 2030. However, with 10 years remaining, the 2019 figure is representative of already attaining more than 90% of this 2030 vision.

“This is a significant accomplishment which is testament to the fact that Belize’s tourism industry continues on an upward trend. In fact, over the past decade, Belize experienced over 100 percent growth in the overnight sector, up from 241,119 arrivals in 2010. We now look forward to building on this achievement in 2020, as we continue to work with our valued industry partners and stakeholders, to further develop and enhance Belize’s tourism product” states Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr.