Tourism growth exceeds country’s expectations: Belize Tourism Board says “no need to fear”

By BBN Staff: As pointed out by an article published by Travelpulse.com, Belize’s tourism sector has been growing considerably faster than the National Tourism Master Plan (NTMP) had predicted but the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) says that measures are in place to ensure that the growth does not harm the country’s tourism product in the longterm.

The 503,177 overnight, land-based visitors reported in 2019 represented a 2.8 percent increase over the 489,261 visitors recorded in 2018 and marked the first time visitors had reached over the half-million mark; however, the NTMP had targeted 556,000 overnight arrivals by 2030, which means the country has cleared more than 90 percent of the target 10 years ahead of schedule.

The BTB told our newsroom that the board is pleased with the growth of the industry, acknowledging that significant investments were made in strategic marketing partnerships promoting Belize globally, and enhanced collaboration with local and international partners. The BTB also noted that there have been significant increases in international flights that have improved connectivity and the continued development of tourism resources across the country which have made Belize’s tourism product more attractive.

With respect to the potential danger of the growth rate, the BTB said, “The BTB is working in close collaboration with our industry partners and stakeholders to monitor and manage the growth through the implementation of carrying capacity studies at various tourism sites across the country; the studies will assist in identifying sustainable levels within which sites can operate.”

The board added that, in addition to the marketing of the top destinations, the BTB continues to promote niche activities and destinations which are lesser-known to visitors to allow for more equitable distribution of guests across the country.

“The safety, security, and sustainable growth of the destination and our tourism product remain at the forefront of BTB’s marketing activities,” the BTB added.

Belize’s popularity as a “must visit” destination in the region continues to soar internationally, with the country being featured in numerous travel writing pieces since the beginning of the year from publications in the United States and abroad.

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