Tourism

Tourism is one of the main source of the Belize’s economy.  Weaker  point than the traditional industries, tourism serves to catalyze farther national development, as it promotes new investments both in the public and private sectors. It helps Belize to acquire  visibility at international level and helps the growth of a national awareness of their own culture and territorial beauties.
Belize has a wide variety of natural attractions, for example: white sanded isles, surrounded by corral barriers, hills covered by forests stretching till the Maya mountains,  deep sea and various types of tropical fishes , natural waterfalls, ancient temples, a tropical forest and many kinds of wild animals which represent only some of the attractions considered as “the secrets that  Mother Nature preserved in the best way.”
People is very careful about the environment, the preservation of natural areas and their cultural heritage; they are friendly and ready to share their beauties with all those who are engaged to preserve them. Every year the number of tourists increases. Visitors are immersed in this wonderful, magic Country, where they can dive, fish, explore, learn or simply relax.
In 2004 the number of tourists who arrived and stayed at least one night in the Country, had been 230.832, that is 4,7% more than the data published the year before.
The principal market is still coming from the United States, 137.367 presences, with an increase of 7,9% compared to 2003.
In 2004, number 406 motor crafts stopped in the tourist harbour, with an increase of 28,9%, while the number of cruises’passengers reached 851,436 (+48% in comparison to 2003).
Tourism is one of the main  foreign investment sectors;  a further investment could come from the gain on the exchange of money and by the export of tourist services. An increase in this sector could facilitate other sectors, as agriculture, handcrafts, and other services which are complementary to the tourist sector.

 

In the services sector (hotels and restaurants), they had an increase of 15,5%, thanks to the increase of  length of time  tourists spent there. Cruise’s tourists contributed by itself with an increase of 5,9% in transportation and communications.