One of the most popular tourist destinations in Central America, Belize boasts rich rainforests filled with colorful flora and fauna, unique islands along a stunning barrier reef, and a diverse culture that embraces its visitors with unmatched warmth. With its sunny climate, impressive natural resources and seemingly endless festivals and events throughout the year, more and more visitors keep adding Belize to their must-see list. Discover what is driving tourism in Belize!
One of the most popular draws to Belize is its Lobster Festivals. Held in three different locations – Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and Placencia – the opportunity to indulge in the tasty crustacean in completely different settings is especially appealing.
The lobster festivals are a reminder of the rich marine resources that continuously draw visitors by the thousands. The diving community popularized Belize, with the beautiful Mesoamerican Barrier Reef running all along its coast. The Belize Blue Hole, various channels and marine reserves make the perfect spots for avid divers. Other watersports like fishing, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding are all easily enjoyed on the azure seas.
Carnaval
Ambergris Caye takes the spotlight once again with its Pre-Lenten Carnaval, a celebration similar to Mardi Gras. It showcases dancing, music, men and women in costumes, colorful paints, and more. Visitors especially enjoy getting into the thick of the celebratory crowds, chasing after each other with colorful powders and paints. In September, a different style of Carnival parade is held across the nation’s municipalities. However, the most popular is the National Independence Carnival. Massive and elaborate costumes, music and revelry fill the air as carnival groups pass through the streets of Belize City. A true celebration of Belizean culture and history, this event draws nearly every Belizean to the roadside to admire. Tourists also make a point to visit and enjoy the festivities.
Chocolate festival
The land of cacao, Toledo, hosts the annual Chocolate Festival of Belize, a tasty tradition. An unspoiled, verdant district in the very south of Belize, Toledo’s rich soil and climate is ideal for growing cacao plants. This location serves as the birthplace of chocolate. With its rich history and status as home to the Ketchi Maya, it is only natural that the festival be held there to honor the ancestry of this delicious treat. Food, wine, truffles, candies, cultural presentations and more, are the features of this annual celebration. As a bonus, the main brewing company of Belize, Bowen & Bowen, also debuts its seasonal chocolate stout during this time. For those who enjoy craftsmanship in a bottle, the Belikin Chocolate Stout is a must have.
It’s not all festivals and events in Belize, however! The rich landscape of this compact country offers a variety of land-based activities that are a big part of what is driving tourism in Belize. Visitors can enjoy hiking in the jungle, exploring waterfalls, and visiting ancient Maya archaeological sites. They can also experience cave tubing in dark, mysterious caves and ziplining through scenic treetops across the region, filling their days with endless excitement!
With travel booming once more, and direct flights available from major cities across the US and even Canada and Central America, getting to Belize is easier than ever. Belize welcomes over half a million visitors a year (2019) thanks to airlines like Southwest, American, United, Delta, Spirit, Frontier, and Copa. This exceeds the country’s entire population.
The majority of visitors making their way to Belize are from the United States (70%). However, Canadians, Europeans, and Mexicans are quickly discovering this gem of a country too! Throughout it all, the smiles and warm welcomes from people of various ethnicities are the same. Welcome to Belize…welcome home!
