Belize has welcomed a 9% growth in tourists from the UK this year so far, as the country maintains its image of being a sustainable and eco-friendly destination.

This 9% growth from the UK market comes on the back of UK tourist numbers increasing by 12% from 2017 to 2018.

“[This growth] shows the confidence and shows the demand. And it shows the potential that Belize has,” said Belize Tourism Board director of tourism Karen Bevans, at the Experience Latin America event in London this week.

The country is also welcoming new hotel openings, with Four Seasons expected to open a luxury resort next year, as well as a highly-anticipated eco-resort from Leonardo DiCapro.

Meanwhile, Belize has been ensuring it remains an eco-friendly destination. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, was removed from Unesco’s ‘List of World Heritage in Danger’ last year. And in April this year, the country banned single-use plastics and Styrofoam across the country.

“Travellers are looking for sustainability, they’re looking for destinations that are eco-friendly,” said Bevans. “Seeing the steps that Belize has been taking, to advance sustainability has been an attraction for us as well.”