Belize’s tourism sector, a cornerstone of its national economy, is grappling with significant challenges as global economic conditions tighten. Recent data from the Belize Tourism Board reveals an 8.6% decline in overnight tourist arrivals for September 2025 compared to the same period last year. This downturn has raised concerns among industry stakeholders, particularly in popular destinations like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, where tourism activity has notably slowed. Area Representative Andre Perez acknowledged the sluggish recovery post-COVID-19, attributing part of the decline to the ongoing political polarization in the United States, a key source market for Belizean tourism. The prolonged U.S. federal government shutdown has exacerbated the situation, leading to widespread job losses and flight disruptions across 40 major American airports, including those serving Belize and the Caribbean. Despite these hurdles, Perez remains optimistic, emphasizing Belize’s strategic location and accessibility as enduring strengths. He expressed confidence in the industry’s resilience, predicting a successful year ahead. However, analysts caution that the ripple effects of the U.S. shutdown may persist, delaying a full recovery in travel patterns.