Is the Tourism Industry Beginning to “Stabilise”?

Belize’s tourism industry is showing steady growth, with new figures confirming that both overnight stays and cruise arrivals grew in 2025.

Data released by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) shows 551,698 overnight visitors last year, a slight increase compared to 2024.

Although growth was modest at 0.8%, BTB said in a release that Belize is “not merely rebounding but beginning to stabilise at a higher post-pandemic level.”

Compared to 2019, before the pandemic, overnight arrivals are nearly 10% higher. BTB says this proves the country has moved beyond recovery and entered a new phase of growth.

Cruise tourism also showed strong gains, with 967,214 passengers arriving in 2025, up more than 8% from the previous year. Although still below the record of more than 1 million passengers in 2019, arrivals have steadily climbed from 210,206 in 2021.

“These results reflect the collective efforts of tourism stakeholders across Belize,” BTB noted, adding that continued investment has been key to sustaining momentum.