Demand is Building: Be Ready

The levels of demand for travel – especially cruise travel – is off the charts.

Worldwide lockdowns, social distancing, and travel bans have created an unprecedented demand for cruise travel once the government and industry restrictions begin to lift.

In a recent study by the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), participants were asked: “If the pandemic suddenly ended tomorrow, what one large discretionary purchase would you make”?

Of those who said they would make a large purchase, 46 percent said they would take a trip, with the next-highest responses being to remodel their home (20 percent) and purchase a new vehicle (19 percent). There’s no doubt that travel is at the top of the list for discretionary spending.

A separate survey by Dream Vacations, CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. found that almost 95 percent of approximately 1,500 U.S. respondents plan to take a vacation this year and next. Of those respondents, 50 percent said they plan to take a cruise for their next vacation.

It’s clear that once things normalize, people will hit the road, air, and waterways in unprecedented numbers. And not only will more people than normal be traveling at once but they also intend on staying out longer than usual.

There’s little doubt that once people start traveling again, one of their favorite destinations will be Belize. 

That’s because, before the pandemic, Belize was increasing in popularity as a tourist hotspot of travelers from all over the world.

Already a favorite of North Americans because of its proximity, it has been increasingly gaining in popularity among European and British tourists as well.

Not only are people flocking to Belize for travel, but many are also now flocking there to retire – mostly from the U.S.

On an interesting note, in a press release that came out just this past Thursday, Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor of International Living Magazine and website reported that:

“On election night, traffic to International Living’s ‘move out of the U.S.’ pages spiked nearly 300% (on top of the 1,600% increase in search traffic we’ve tracked since the end of May). Suffice it to say: People are looking for an escape.”

In the same press release, International Living’s editors highlighted three countries that make good sense to consider for emigrating from the perspective of value, ease of settling in, quality of life, and proximity to the States:

• Costa Rica.
• Belize.
• Mexico.

WHY BELIZE FOR TRAVEL?

There are so many factors that draw tourists to Belize including:

• English is the official language.
• Stable British-style government and legal system based on English common law.
• Warm subtropical weather.
• Belize Barrier Reef, the Great Blue Hole (a giant marine sinkhole at the center of Lighthouse Reef) and the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world.
• Mayan ruins.
• Ecotourism is highlighted by uninhabited islands and an extensive network of caves.
• Diverse culture with a mix of Maya, Garinagu, Spanish, Indian, Mennonites, German, Chinese, and Lebanese.
• Diverse and extensive flora highlighted by over 250 varieties of orchids, flowering bromeliads and aroids, colorful poinsettias, hibiscuses, and many other rare and unique flowers and trees.
• Diverse and extensive fauna highlighted by 543 varieties of bird species. Animals that can be spotted in the forest include wildcats, margay, monkeys, large rodents, mountain cows, ocelots, and pumas.
• Belize’s diverse culture translates into one of the most interesting cuisines. Unlike other Central American countries, Belize is a foodie’s paradise.

WHY BELIZE FOR LIVING?

Belize offers retirees and emigrants many unique benefits and advantages that make living there appealing.

As a British Commonwealth country, Belize is the only country in Central America with English as its official language – making the transition easier for ex-pats from the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia. In terms of currency, the U.S. dollar (pegged to the Belizean dollar) is widely accepted.

More ex-pats flock to the Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye than to any other region of Belize. Beyond its natural beauty and outdoor attractions, the island offers Belize’s most sophisticated lifestyle – combining casual beach life with upscale amenities. Despite its luxuries, an ex-pat couple can live comfortably on less than $2,000 a month (not including rent or mortgage).

Already a hotspot for travel and offshore living before the pandemic, Belize is sure to be flooded with tourists and ex-pats once widespread travel bans and restrictions are lifted.

This means the vacation real estate boom that was occurring before the pandemic will surely pick up where it left off once things normalize.