Third Quarter Tourism Arrivals Lowest Since 1992 .......Room Rates Continue Upward Trend

The Belize Tourist Board (BTB) recently released statistics for the third quarter of 1996. A basic summary of the situation indicates that arrivals and occupancy rates are down while the average room rate has climbed. In a cover letter accompanying the statistics, Martin Aldana, BTB's statistician, states "Tourist arrivals at PGIA (Philip Goldson International Airport) for the first 9 months of 1996 numbered 64,426. This represents a 6.7% decrease compared to the first 9 months of 1995...recorded arrivals in 1996 are also below arrivals in 1994." The statistics further indicate that the second and third quarters of 1996 saw a decrease in arrivals of 18.2% and 9.3% respectively. However, first quarter arrivals were 4.0% above those for the same time period in 1995.

The room occupancy rates declined from 31% in 1995 to 29% for the first 9 months of 1996. Belize District is the only area that experienced an increase (3%) from 1995 to 1996 while Placencia recorded a 9% decline in its occupancy rate.

There is one increase that was recorded in all districts. Hotel room revenue was reported at BZ$27,315,516. This indicates a 2.7% increase over a similar period in 1995. This increase in revenue can be accounted to an increase in room rates. Room rates averaged $128.40 for the first 9 months of 1996, up from $113.35 during this time period in 1995. This increase occurred in all areas of the country with Ambergris Caye showing the most dramatic increase from $180.92 to $201.44. The vast majority of the other destinations had an increase ranging from approximately $11 (Belize District) down to $1 (Cayo District). The only area showing a decrease in room rates was Corozal. According to Mr. Aldana, "This increase in room rates accounts for the reported increase in room revenue despite the reported fall in tourist arrivals and room occupancy rates."

Below are the tourist arrival statistics, occupancy rate statistics and average room rates for the first 9 months of 1995 and 1996.

Tourist Arrivals

                             1995             1996 
                             ----             ----                    
       January               8030             8428
       February              9709             9837
       March               11,135           11,774
       April                 8907             7266
       May                   7101             5667
       June                  7300             6128
       July                  6921             6347*
       August                5748             5576*
       September             4236             3403*
       OVERALL             69,087           64,426

       *Lowest number of recorded arrivals since 1992

Monthly Occupancy Rates (nationwide)

                             1995             1996
                             ----             ----                    
       January                35               33
       February               40               39
       March                  41               40
       April                  35               30
       May                    27               23
       June                   26               23
       July                   25               24
       August                 25               26
       September              21               19
       OVERALL                31               29

       The average occupancy rate for Ambergris Caye
       during this time period was 36.7%.

Average Room Rates by Area (in BZ dollars)

                                           1995             1996
                                           ----             ----                    			         
                     Belize District     105.56           116.35
                     Ambergris Caye      180.92           201.44
                     Caye Caulker         38.61            45.66
                     Cayo                 87.67            88.42
                     Corozal              67.74            66.99
                     Orange Walk          99.06           108.55
                     Stann Creek          76.05            82.47
                     Placencia           116.78           122.99
                     Toledo               41.35            44.60
                     Other Islands        91.29           137.35

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