Tourism is a vital component of Belize’s economy, contributing significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In 2019, the direct contribution of the tourism industry to Belize’s GDP was 11.8%, making it the second-largest contributor among the country’s major industries.   Including indirect and induced effects, tourism’s total contribution to GDP was approximately 41.3% in 2017

In recent years, tourism’s impact has continued to grow. In 2023, tourism contributed approximately 46% to Belize’s $6.5 billion economy, reaffirming its status as the most significant industry in the country.   This growth has been driven by increases in both overnight visitors and cruise ship arrivals, with Belize experiencing a 21% increase in overnight visitors and a 47% rise in cruise ship arrivals in 2024 compared to the previous year.  

 This impact is well above the Caribbean average, where tourism typically contributes around 15.2% of GDP. The tourism sector is not just limited to economic output; it also creates substantial employment. The industry provides direct jobs for around 13.4% of the labor force, with the total employment impact (including indirect and induced effects) reaching 37.3%.