Tourism in Belize

The tourism industry is an important part of the economy of Belize, in 2007 contributing to over 25% of all jobs, and making up over 18% of the GDP.cite web|url=http://www.belizemediacenter.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=8|title=Key Note Address by Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow to the 10th Annual Industry Presentation|last=Barrow|first=Dean|date=2008-05-15|publisher=belizemediacenter.org|accessdate=2008-05-26] This constituted 590 million BZD (295 million USD), according to the Belize government, up 90 million BZD (45 million USD) from the year before. Tourism is the domain of the Ministry of Tourism, within which the Belize Tourism Board works as a link between the private and public sector. [cite web|url=http://www.belizetourism.org/about-the-btb/introduction-to-the-btb.html|title=Mission Statement|publisher=Belize Tourism Board|accessdate=2008-05-26]

A combination of natural factors-- climate, the Belize Barrier Reef (longest in the Western Hemisphere), 127 offshore Cayes (islands), excellent fishing, safe waters for boating, scuba diving, and snorkeling, numerous rivers for rafting, and kayaking, various jungle and wildlife reserves of fauna and flora, for hiking, bird watching, and helicopter touring, as well as many Maya ruins-- support the thriving tourism and ecotourism industry. Development costs are high, but the Government of Belize has designated tourism as its second development priority after agriculture. In 2007, tourist arrivals totaled 251,655 (more than 210,000 from the U.S.) and tourist receipts amounted to $183.3 million

ome of the Many Attractions, Landmarks and Points of Interest