[18] The complex covered an area much larger than present-day Belize City and supported more than twice the modern city's population. In 2012, tourist arrivals totalled 917,869 (with about 584,683 from the U.S.) and tourist receipts amounted to over $1.3 billion. Belize's primary exports are citrus, sugar, and bananas. Belize has a small, mostly private enterprise economy that is based primarily on agriculture, agro-based industry, and merchandising, with tourism and construction recently assuming greater importance. The latest statistics show that Belize surpassed the half a million mark, welcoming a total of 503,177 overnight visitors in 2019. © Copyright 2016 - 2020 | All Rights Reserved BTIA | Terms & Services | Privacy Policy. The designation is primarily based on a feature's high scenic value, but may also be regarded as a cultural landmark that represents or contributes to a national identity. [4], Tourism is the domain of the Ministry of Tourism, within which the Belize Tourism Board works as a link between the private and public sector.[6]. Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development, Gales Point Wildlife Sanctuary Community Management Committee, Forest & Marine Reserves Association of Caye Caulker. The country is also a producer of industrial minerals, crude oil, and petroleum. The results for Belize's tourism-driven economy have been significant, with the nation welcoming almost one million tourists in a calendar year for the first tim… [18] Archaeological findings at Caracol, in the southern end of the country, have suggested that it formed the centre of political struggles in the southern Maya lowlands. Currently has no co-management partner and is managed directly by the Forest Department, though with no on-site presence. At a press conference held on Friday, October 16, 2020 further relaxation of the restrictions on movement of visitors were announced by It is considered a paper park. But replace it we must. [23][24] This network of protected areas exists under a variety of management structures:[25]. [7] This constituted 590 million BZD (295 million USD), according to the Belize government, up 90 million BZD (45 million USD) from the year before. They undergo rigorous trainings and examinations, for certification through the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) licenses. Belize’s tourism industry is transforming into a well-structured unit. The Belize Tourism Industry Association leads Belize's private tourism sector. TOURISM POLICIES. Permits are required to enter the area and are restricted to researchers only. This strategic focus ensures that the industry sectors can sustainably meet the demands of a growing tourist destination. National parks are gazetted under the National Parks System Act of 1981. The guidance and governance of policies help to sustain support and enhance the industry. Belize’s excellent natural resources and strong cultural heritage allows for eco-tourism, adventure and cultural tourism to flourish as its main tourism motivations. Marine reserves are designed for the conservation of aquatic ecosystems, including marine wildlife and its environment. Check out some of our publications to help you learn more about our beautiful product. In Belize, national parks are areas designed for the protection and preservation of natural and aesthetic features of national significance for the benefit and enjoyment of the people. “The year 2016 culminated with another significant achievement for the tourism industry, boasting the highest overnight arrivals in twenty years. Forest reserves, overseen by the Forest Department, are designed for the sustainable extraction of timber without destroying the biodiversity of the location. [16], Before the arrival of Europeans in America, Belize lay in the heartland of the Maya civilisation, and consequently contains some of the earliest and most important Maya ruins. They have been regarded as a "tropical paradises" by the Los Angeles Times. Belize's eco-tourism is growing with every passing year,[11] it boasts a number of eco-tourist tours and energy efficient hotels, with environmentally-conscious and renewable resources. Press Release, Belize Tourism Board, Belize City, Belize (Monday, October 20, 2020) - As Belize moves forward to fully reopen and rebuild our tourism industry, the health and safety protocols for tourists continue to be reviewed and updated. 2016 has proven to be the most successful year for Belize’s overnight tourism sector,” the press release said. BELIZE’S LARGEST TOURISM ORGANIZATION Marketing and promoting its membership comprising of Hotels, Tour Operators, Restaurants and tour guides countrywide. [19], The country's 15 archaeological sites are managed by the Institute of Archaeology, a branch of the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH),[20] which comes under the authority of the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture. The Belize Barrier Reef (second largest in the world), over 450 offshore Cayes (islands), excellent fishing, safe waters for windsurfing, swimming, cave rafting, boating, paddleboarding, scuba diving, and snorkelling, numerous rivers for rafting, and kayaking, various jungle and wildlife reserves of fauna and flora, for hiking, bird watching, and helicopter touring, as well as many Maya ruins—support the thriving tourism and ecotourism industry. Eco-tourism aims to be ecologically and socially conscious, it focuses on local culture, wilderness, and adventure. [3] The growth in tourism has positively affected the agricultural, commercial, and finance industries, as well as the construction industry. The pandemic may last … The COVID-19 pandemic is the worst economic headwind that Belize has ever encountered. Proof of concept was made when … Belizeans pride themselves on the unique amenities and warm hospitality provided to everyone in the country, which has long been called Mother Nature’s best kept secret. [26] It is the strictest designation of all categories within the country's national protected areas system, with no extractive use or tourism access permitted. There are currently 16 forest reserves with a combined acreage of 380,328 hectares (939,810 acres), making up 9.3% of total national territory.[20]. 32 were here. The Gold Standard Recognition Program is a 9-point program that seeks to enhance the tourism industry’s health and safety standards by adapting new behaviors and procedures to ensure both employees and travelers are confident in the cleanliness and safety of Belize’s tourism product. Given this heavy dependence on tourism, Belize’s economy will be one of the world’s tourism-dependent economies most Contact Us! Prospective co-management organisation. The Belize Tourism Industry Association leads Belize's private tourism sector. These are gazetted under the Forests Act of 1927,[82] which allows the department to grant permits to logging companies after extensive review. www.btia.org Home » Industries » Tourism Industry One of the first indications that Belize would be a good stage for tourism came in the 1950s when expatriates and locals were taking foreign visitors inland to hunt jaguars or to fish on the barrier reef. (WTTC) estimates that tourism constituted 45% of the GDP, 40% of total employment, and 42% of total exports in Belize last year. Of the five natural monuments in the country, three are terrestrial, administered by the Forest Department, while the remaining two are marine-based and come under the authority of the Fisheries Department. [18], While the majority of reserves under this category are related to the pre-colonial era, Serpon Sugar Mill and Yarborough Cemetery, both designated in 2009, only date from the 19th century and are alternatively described as historical reserves. I made sur Secondary tourism motivations range from nautical, cruise, sun & beach, and leisure & entertainment. As the history of Belize’s tourism industry details, the growth of overnight tourist arrivals continues to increase. The AGM began with outgoing President … Tourism in Belize has grown considerably recently, and it is now the second largest industry in the nation. What is a tourist? 702 likes. The nature reserves are under the authority of the Forest Department. They are typically pristine, wilderness ecosystems. A natural monument is designated for the preservation of unique geographic features of the landscape. Between the Great Blue Hole and the ancient Maya temple at Xunantunich, you’ll find caving, diving, hiking, zip-lining, jungles, exotic animals and much more. Two of the following wildlife sanctuaries are considered to be marine protected areas, and may also have collaborative agreements with the Fisheries Department in place. To develop a robust and professional membership association which promotes, advocates and … Media Gallery Belize at a glimpse. The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) was our guests to talk about the impact of COVID-19. However, rapid expansion of the tourist industry over the last decade has made it the nation's second largest industry. Until 2010, co-management was held by the Itzamna Society. www.btia.org Tourism in Belize has grown considerably recently, and it is now the second largest industry in the nation. Learn more about the various trainings offered through out the year. 32 were here. Contact us at info@travelbelize.org to learn more about starting your career as a tour guide and to find out when the next training will take place. Belize Tourism Industry Association San Pedro Chapter. Marketing Is an essential tool to increase business to your property, Let us help you! The growth in tourism has positively affected the agricultural, commercial, and finance industries, as well as the construction industry. Creating opportunities that welcome new target markets. Natural monuments are gazetted under the National Parks System Act of 1981;[26] marine-based monuments additionally come under the Fisheries Act. MORE . As the leading national private sector tourism association, BTIA represents a unified voice. The Belize Tourism Industry Association leads Belize’s private tourism sector. Wildlife sanctuaries are created for the preservation of an important keystone species in the ecosystem. Therefore, they are areas of recreation and tourism, as well as environmental protection. Belize has large array of diverse tourists, adventure tourists and eco-tourist attractions. What is the tourism industry? The Belize tourism industry is the fastest growing private sector with the greatest contribution to Belize’s annual GDP growth. The economy of Belize is a small, essentially private enterprise economy that is based primarily on agriculture, tourism, and services. Formed on April 26, 1985 as a broad-based tourism umbrella organization, BTIA sought to bring together tourism related interests to meet the challenges of a dynamic and growing tourism industry in Belize. The preservation of the Barrier Reef system has been recognised as a global interest through the collective designation of seven protected areas, including four of the following marine reserves, as a World Heritage Site. News. [10] Many companies offer visitors the opportunity to visit a cacao, cashew farm, learn about Maya, Kriol or Garifuna craftsmanship, and even to stay overnight on a Maya, Kriol or Garifuna village and explore with a community guide. Tourism: Learn More . Formerly known as Society Hall Nature Reserve. Learn More . 32 were here. Belize is the perfect destination for the traveler who seeks action and intrigue. [5], Development costs are high, but the Government of Belize has designated tourism as its second development priority after agriculture. Its membership is comprised primarily of accommodation providers including hotels, resorts, lodges, condominiums, educational facilities and home-stays with allied members including tour operators and ancillary businesses that service the hospitality industry. Second largest industry in the ecosystem to sustain support and enhance the industry Government of is... 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