our Jewel, you are bound to find something new, an experience deeply rooted within the local cultural fabric, and mindful of the responsibilities we all hold as global citizens and custodians of this earth. Throughout all these years, we have pursued the ideals of sustainable development by encouraging the guided explorer, to submit to his / her spirit of inquisitiveness, and to enjoy a truly remarkable time in Belize. But we also encourage visitors to assist us in safeguarding our culture, traditions, and the pristine nature of our environment.
Visitors are always captivated by the vast variety and uniqueness of Belize’ s attractions.
Belizeans, are a very proud people, one that celebrate their natural and cultural treasures while at the same time advocating their conservation and sustainability. The protection of our natural and cultural resources and the sustainable development of our industry has been, throughout the years, and will continue to be our mantra. It is under this note, that in June 2018 the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System was officially removed from the UNESCO World Heritage Center’ s List of World Heritage in Danger. This is a victory not only for marine conservation and tourism, but indeed for humanity. We are ecstatic that Belizeans and our visitors, will be able to continue experiencing world class scuba diving, snorkeling and other marine-based activities within the second longest barrier reef in the world. While the removal from“ Danger” status is a great accomplishment, the greatest accomplishment is without a doubt the commitment that we have asked and will continue to ask, from all Belizeans and visitors alike, to continue to do their part to ensure that this World Heritage remains vibrant and accessible to all.
The Government and the Belize Tourism Board are also cognizant of the fact that we must jealously guard our pristine natural resources and with this in mind, the government recently enacted legislation banning offshore oil exploration in Belizean waters, including those around the Belize Barrier Reef. We are proud that this legislation has made Belize a leader in protecting our precious corals and safeguarding coastal and marine ecosystems, a model we hope will be followed by many countries around the world.
Belize’ s tourism is vibrant. Last year, Belize registered some 427,000 visitors. The latest statistics for the middle of 2018 shows that tourism arrivals to Belize continue to register groundbreaking levels and moving on a steady upward trend. Overnight tourism arrivals in June registered increases for the past three consecutive years while the first half of the year registered a 17.1 % cumulative increase.
During the month of June, cruise ship arrivals registered a 57.2 % increase while at the end of the first half of this year, there was also an overall increase of 10.2 % in cruise visitors to Belize as compared to the first half of 2017.
The word is out. Not surprisingly then, a great number of guided explorers continue to visit Belize to enjoy her numerous attractions. And there is great expectation that the number of visitors will continue to register double digits in 2018 and beyond.
To Table of Contents