Tourism Statistics: January to August 2008

With the arrival of a total of 184,132 overnight visitors for the period of January to August 2008, the Immigration Department indicated the total tourism arrivals (exclusive of cruise passengers) from all entry points decreased by 0.6%.

The North American market accounted for approximately 67% of the total tourism arrivals in Belize in 2007.

July Travel Industry Survey:
(Excerpts from a Travel Industry Association survey)

• 14% of American leisure travelers say they had taken a home based vacation during the past six months.
• 9% expect to do so during the next six months according to the July Travel Industry Association survey.

Reasons for Decline:

• 61% said that gasoline prices are too high
• 44% said that travel in general is too expensive, and
• 43% said they are cutting back on discretionary spending.

Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) arrivals:
The total number of arrivals documented at Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) for January thru August was 137,117 visitors representing 69% of total arrivals to the country.

Cruise Sector:
The cruise sector accounted for a total of 432,646 passengers from January to August 2008. The cruise sector welcomed 198 ships to port which represented a 6.1% decrease compared to this same period for last year. Nevertheless, over the next three months, it is expected that the number of cruise passengers to call on Belize will surpass arrival figures for the same period last year.

The Belize Tourism Board will continue its efforts supporting the growth of North American market while strengthening promotional efforts in Central America, Canada and European countries as a means of growing the tourism market for Belize.