What’s New in Belize for 2017
2016 was a banner year for Belize, and travel experts expect only more positive developments in 2017. With progressive improvement in total visitor volume year over year, Belize is rapidly becoming one of the top vacation destinations in the region.
A few key developments in tourism in Belize include:
In October 2016, the prominent Canadian airline WestJet began operating non-stop flights between Toronto's Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Belize City (BZE). This marked the very first time that Canadians could travel directly to Belize.
Lonely Planet, the world's number one publisher of travel guides by volume, declared that Belize was a Top 10 destination for budget-conscious travelers. Belize was the only country in Central or South America that made the top 10 list.
Southwest Airlines announced that they will begin operating a non-stop flight from Denver's international airport (DEN) to Belize beginning on March 11, 2017. Southwest already operates a non-stop from Houston's Hobby Airport (HOU) to Belize.
American Airlines began operating a new direct flight to Belize from London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) on November 4, 2016. The direct flight includes a stop in Miami (MIA) before continuing directly onto Belize without passengers needing to change aircraft. This marks the first time that Britons can enjoy direct service to Belize, a country that was a British colony for more than two centuries.
As part of his end of the year message in 2016, Belize’s Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced that his government is in negotiations with an unnamed Mexican air carrier to create a new non-stop route between Belize City and Mexico City. The Prime Minister also added that new hotels are being constructed in Placencia, North Ambergris Caye, and Blackadore Caye to handle the anticipated increase in visitor volume during the coming year, and that a 200 million dollar five-star hotel is under development on Caye Chapel.
Belize is a small Central American country located between Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and Guatemala. With a long coastline, hundreds of offshore islands, and a varied mainland landscape that includes pristine rainforests, jungles, wetlands, and mountains, Belize has emerged to become a leading destination for eco-tourism, family vacations, and romantic getaways. For more details on planning your perfect Belize getaway, check out the All Inclusive Hotel listing for Belize.
In the summer of 2016, an archeological expedition uncovered the largest royal Maya tomb ever discovered in the ruins of Xunantunich. Continuously excavated since the late 19th century, Xunantunich is one of the largest Maya ruin sites in Belize. Archeologists believe that carved hieroglyphics and other artifacts recovered from the newly-unearthed tomb will continue to yield important records concerning the history of the Maya who ruled the area for more than three millennia.
"2016 was a really wonderful year for tourism in Belize," said Rhoda Gill, Sales and Marketing Manager at Adventures in Belize. "And we expect 2017 to be even better. It's really exciting to see Belize come into its own as a great vacation destination for families, adventure travelers, nature lovers, and honeymooners. If there was ever a time to visit our jewel of a country, now is the time!"
Adventures in Belize is the country's leading travel experts. Based on the outskirts of Belmopan, Adventures in Belize has a full-time staff of travel experts that help craft all-inclusive Belize vacation itineraries for visitors. Founded by Ian and Mark Anderson, Adventures in Belize is the sister company to the Caves Branch Lodge, the country's oldest and most luxurious jungle resort.
Questions about visiting Belize? Contact us via email or call toll free 1-866-822-2278. We’d love to help you plan your Belize vacation.
