Belize’s tourism sector is demonstrating signs of a robust recovery following a period of seasonal volatility, with new data indicating a promising turnaround. Official statistics from the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) reveal a notable 1.8% upswing in overnight visitor arrivals for November 2025, welcoming a total of 42,841 international guests. This positive shift comes on the heels of consecutive monthly declines of 8.6% and 5.1% recorded in September and October, respectively.
Industry analysts attribute this rebound to a confluence of strategic factors. A significant catalyst was the unforeseen timing of a U.S. federal government shutdown, which occurred just two weeks prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. This event inadvertently redirected American travelers toward alternative destinations, with Belize positioned to capitalize on the opportunity.
Evan Tillett, Director of Tourism, provided context for the earlier downturn, noting that September and October are historically the slowest months on the nation’s tourism calendar. He characterized 2025 as a ‘volatile year,’ punctuated by both record-breaking arrivals in peak months like January, February, April, July, and August, and expected dips in the off-season. To mitigate these cyclical lows, the BTB has intensified its ‘green season marketing plan’ and collaborated with the private sector to promote targeted travel deals through initiatives like the Belizean Traveler program.
Further optimism is emerging for the long-term outlook. Reynaldo Malik, President of the Belize Hotel Association, reported that the critical three-and-a-half-week booking window following the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday is performing on par with the previous year. This period is crucial as it traditionally generates upwards of 60% of the following year’s revenue, with additional surges expected from Christmas and New Year promotions. Early booking trends already indicate strong potential for the 2026 season, signaling sustained confidence in Belize’s appeal as a premier travel destination.