By Belize Live News Staff: Why are fewer tourists coming to Belize? According to Director of Tourism Evan Tillett, there is no single answer.
Tillett listed a long list of challenges, including geopolitical tensions, rising fuel prices, airfares that have climbed by more than 20 percent, sargassum, inflation and elections in the United States, Belize’s biggest source market.
He said other factors include the World Cup, which drew travellers elsewhere, and a sharp drop in Belizeans living abroad coming home for the September Celebrations. Tillett suggested strict US immigration policies may have made some reluctant to travel, fearing difficulty returning to the US.
When asked if he was concerned about August’s double digit decline, Tillett said the BTB is concerned about every downturn.
He said the BTB studies the data and adjusts its approach, launching new campaigns, adding resources and working with the private sector to soften the impact.
“We will continue to leave no stone unturned in order to get back the numbers for growth,” he said.
The figures follow Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler’s earlier acknowledgement that arrivals had been soft since June. New BermudAir flights launching October 26 and the recently signed Discover Airlines route from Frankfurt are part of efforts to bring visitors back.
