ITB Berlin 2023: For Belize, It’s Good to Be Back

By Veronica de Santiago

Evan Tillet, Belize’s Director of Tourism, sat down with Caribbean News Digital within the framework of the ITB Berlin 2023 fair underway in Germany

“Definitely it’s good to be back. It’s been two years since we’ve been here and definitely ITB is a very important show for Belize to continue creating business opportunities in Europe and to build awareness in Europe”.

One of the things Belize has come to ITB Berlin 2023 for is to increase air connectivity with Europe since currently there are no direct flights from the Old World to the Central American nation. 

With over 5,000 German visitors to Belize on a yearly basis, Mr. Tillet believes that figure can grow exponentially were deals for nonstop airlift between Europe and his nation arranged in the near future. 

“The challenge with Belize is the fact that the DMCs the tour operators work with are located in Guatemala and Costa Rica, so we’re in the process of fixing that situation and having registered DMCs in the country. That would put us in a better position to increase business from Germany and from Europe”.

Tourism -Mr. Tillet explains- is the lifeline of Belize, with a contribution to the nation’s GDP of 46%. “That’s a heavy burden to carry when the country depends so heavily on tourism in order to be successful. That’s why we’re investing heavily in tourism, we’re investing heavily in training institutes to guarantee excellence for our visitors”. All that much is part of a master tourism plan the country will rely on over the next ten years to make tourism sustainable along the way.

Belize has a lot to offer for tourism, from its pristine beaches and clear blue waters to its ancient Mayan ruins and diverse wildlife.

One of the main attractions in Belize is its barrier reef, the second largest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The reef is a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling, with an abundance of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even sharks.

Belize is also home to many ancient Mayan ruins, such as Caracol, Altun Ha, and Xunantunich, which offer visitors a glimpse into the country's rich history and culture. The ruins are set in lush jungle landscapes, making for a memorable and unique experience.

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Belize has a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, and ziplining. The country is also known for its delicious cuisine, which blends Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean influences.

Asked about Belize’s top outbound markets, Mr. Tillet underscored the significance of the North American niche, followed by Europe as well as Mexico and its Central American neighboring countries.

Tourism is an important industry for Belize, contributing significantly to the country's economy. The government has made efforts to promote sustainable tourism practices to protect the environment and support local communities.

Overall, Belize offers a unique and memorable experience for tourists looking to explore a diverse range of natural and cultural attractions.