Belize Sees Significant Rise in Tourism in 2023, Aiming for Sustainable Growth

In 2023, Belize witnessed a remarkable surge in both land-based overnight and cruise ship visitor arrivals, as reported by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB). This increase in tourism comes amidst the implementation of the second phase of Belize’s Sustainable Tourism Plan, aimed at fostering sustainable and responsible tourism growth.

Belize hosted a total of 464,717 overnight visitors in 2023, marking a 25 percent increase compared to the previous year. December 2023 was particularly noteworthy, recording the second-highest overnight tourist arrival for any month in the country’s history with 55,574 visitors.

Cruise tourism also experienced a significant boost, with a 47 percent increase in 2023 over 2022, bringing the total to 904,189 visitors. The BTB anticipates this number to exceed 950,000 in 2024. Notably, January 10 was projected to be the busiest day of the 2024 cruise season, with four ships bringing approximately 16,000 passengers.

Despite these gains, Belize’s tourism figures for 2023 still fell short of pre-pandemic levels, trailing 2019’s land-based visitor arrivals by 7.6 percent and cruise ship arrivals by 23 percent. However, the BTB views the 2023 outcomes as a positive sign of Belize’s ongoing appeal and potential for further growth in the tourism sector.

The second phase of the Sustainable Tourism Program focuses on enhancing tourism infrastructure in key destinations like Corozal, Caye Caulker, Mountain Pine Ridge/Caracol Area, and Toledo districts. The plan includes investments in archaeological sites, cultural attractions, and natural wonders, aiming to increase visitor spending while improving environmental quality and climate resilience.

Additionally, the initiative encompasses institutional strengthening and capacity building to improve tourism policy, planning, and management. It seeks to collect specific data and statistics, support low-income service providers in the excursion sector, and enhance tourism governance, climate change policies, and sustainable practices.

The Sustainable Tourism Project represents Belize’s commitment to balancing tourism growth with environmental conservation and community inclusion, ensuring a thriving and sustainable future for one of Central America’s most captivating destinations.