The most recent tourism statistics indicate that Belize continues to welcome a record-high number of visitors through the its border points, cruise ship port, and the international airport.The November 2004 report for total tourist arrivals (exclusive of cruise passengers), which includes arrivals via land, air, and sea, show that the total number of visitors coming to Belize during the months of January through November, 2004 recorded an increase of 4.6% over the same period in 2003.

Belize was host to a total of 208,641 overnight visitors for during the period of January through November this year, surpassing the 199,545 recorded in 2003. One may attribute this increase to the upsurge of Canadian visitors by 23.0% and American visitors by 7.3%.

The Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) recorded a 6.5% increase for the months of January through November 2004. Evidently, for the month of November, there was an increase of 7.2% compared to that in November 2003. The arrival figure for November 2004 was 11,615, surpassing the 10,838 recorded in November 2003.

The cruise sector continues to show substantial growth as 357 ships called to Belize’s port during the months of January through November 2004, accounting for 747,746 passengers.ÊThis represents an astounding increase of 55.1% over the same period in 2003 when there were 482,023 cruise passengers recorded.

“This year has been rather encouraging in terms of arrivals, especially with regard to the blossoming cruise ship sector of the industry.ÊAnd yet while both private enterprises and other governmental bodies have worked so fervently this year for these increases, we anticipate even greater efforts in 2005,” comments Director of Product Development, Anthony Mahler.

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