2012 was a strong year for tourism, and the figures for January show the numbers continuing to climb. According to a release from the BTB, January figures show that overnight tourist arrivals have increased by 17.2% compared to the same period for last year. That's 28,431 overnight visitors 4,168 more than January of 2012.

Encouragingly, Cruise tourism figures are also showing a sharp increase by 19.4% for January, 2013. That's 16,743 more visitors than January of last year.

Channel 7

2013: Tourism Off To A Great Start

2012 proved to be a good year for tourism in Belize and it seems that the success is making its way into 2013 as latest statistics show that tourist arrival for January of this year has increased compared to January last year.

According to the Belize Tourism Board, overnight tourists have increased by a remarkable 17.2% compared to last year’s numbers. A total of 28,431 overnight tourists were recorded in the first month of this year- an increase of 4,168 compared to January 2012. Arrivals at the Phillip Goldson International Airport were up as well, showing an increase of 7.6%. Records also show that 19,965 passengers disembarked at the PGIA in the last month, making it 1,407 more than last year during the same period. Cruise arrivals also increased whopping 19.4% for the first month of this year. The year also started with off with 102,871 tourist arrivals via cruise, an increase of 16,743 compared to last year’s January.

CTV3

Belize Tourism – A look at cost competitiveness

By Richard Harrison

In 2012, Belize recorded 277,135 overnight tourist visitors….and 640,734 cruise visitors. Total 917,869 visitors, with hotel occupancy below 40%.

The Riviera Maya, which spreads from Cancun south to Majahual….a coastline distance of 200 miles….is comparable to the coastline distance between Corozal and Punta Gorda. They registered total 17 million visitors in 2012, with hotel occupancy above 80%.

Belize has a lot more to offer in terms of coral reefs, islands with sandy beaches, and natural beauty….both marine and inland….yet it lags behind. Why?

Tourism is an industry that is driven by investment climate…infrastructure….accessibility….services quality, quantity and variety….things to do…people to see….place to go.

To a large extent….it is also driven by cost competitiveness….how much does it cost to get from a home in the USA or Canada, to the Riviera Maya? How much does a week vacation cost in the Riviera Maya…compared to similar quality vacation in Belize?

Lowering the pump-price of fuel to around BZ$7/gallon (i.e. the same price as in the Riviera Maya) will do wonders to make Belize production of goods and services be more competitive with the Riviera Maya….however, to do this, the GST has to compensate for loss in revenue from imported petroleum….a lower 10% GST, charged across the board, no exceptions nor exemptions…..will make this happen. Everyone will benefit.

Fuel is one of the most important contributors to cost….of anything….and lowering its price….will lower the cost of producing ALL goods and services.

Being more competitive….Belize will create many more jobs….not only in tourism….but in all sectors of the economy…..our communities will be more productive….and much safer….all contributing to an enhanced tourism product.

“To want your cake and eat it too” is a thought of greed…there is a better way.

This article was written by Richard Harrison, a local businessman and investor in the manufacturing and service industries. Mr. Harrison holds a Masters in Business Administration degree from Lancaster University, United Kingdom.

The Belize Times