With a new year – and decade – almost upon us, it’s always fascinating to reflect on the changing trends in vacations. As a regional tourism hot spot, Belize is at the forefront of many of these trends. Here are a few that we anticipate being big in the year to come.
Ecotourism
Environmentally aware travel has been a trend for a long time, but activists like Greta Thunberg are sparking additional change in how we vacation. We anticipate that travelers to Belize in 2020 will strive to make eco-friendly decisions around transport and accommodations, as well as signing up for tours and activities that promote environmentalism. Helping with cleanup, manatee rehabilitation and even fostering orphaned baby monkeys are likely to be on travelers’ itineraries.
Insta-tourism
Have camera, will travel! Travelers are increasingly inspired by photo-worthy destinations that can be caught on a smartphone and shared with the world. With our untouched jungles, endless waterfalls, underwater wonderlands and incredible Mayan ruins, Belize is about as photogenic as it gets. We expect to welcome plenty of visitors looking to capture that perfect shot of our sunny paradise.
Dining with the locals
There’s no better way to experience local culture than by tasting its food. Better yet is doing so in a home-style environment. Travelers are increasingly moving away from touristy restaurants and towards authentic dining experiences, which more and more means booking a “supper club” experience in someone’s home. It’s a great way to try traditional cooking in an intimate, real setting. Another option is experiencing local cuisine in your vacation rental, such as the chef service available in Sirenian Bay’s villa.
Mini-trips
Can’t manage more than a few days off work? Travelers are doing away with lengthy getaways in favor of a quick trip here and there. It may not seem like much, but even a few days away can make a big difference to your overall wellbeing. Just a short flight from many US cities, and with great weather year-round, Belize is a popular destination for travelers looking to get some R&R over the weekend or a local holiday.
Genealogical tourism
More than 26 million people have shared their DNA with ancestry websites, and many of those same people are tracing their roots back even further with a trip to their countries of origin. With its fascinating history and complex cultural background, the Caribbean and Central America are hotspots for genealogical tourism.
Luxury cruise experiences
According to Belize Tourism Board figures, cruise ship visitors to Belize totaled 700,000 in just the first half of 2019. With our wealth of new hotel and cruise port developments, including Norwegian Cruise Line’s Harvest Caye development close to our very own Placencia, we anticipate that cruises of all types will be at the top of the to-do list for Belize holiday-makers.
Do any of the above reflect your travel plans for 2020? If you’re planning on booking a trip to Placencia, Belize, we’d love to hear from you – and help you plan your stay.
