By Zoila Palma: Data from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) shows that the services sector expanded by 3.4 percent during the second quarter of 2026, emerging as the main driver of the country’s 1.4 percent economic growth.
The tertiary sector generated $885.3 million between April and June, up $28.9 million from the same period in 2025.
Wholesale and retail trade recorded the largest increase within the sector, growing by 5.5 percent to $196.7 million. Public administration also expanded by 5.9 percent, reaching $104.1 million, with the SIB linking the increase to higher government employment and increased public expenditure.
The accommodation and food services industry grew by 1.1 percent, supported in part by a significant increase in cruise tourism.
Cruise passenger arrivals jumped 29 percent, rising from 150.9 thousand visitors in the second quarter of 2025 to 194.6 thousand in the same period of 2026. The increase was associated with 13 additional cruise calls during the quarter.
However, overnight tourism moved in the opposite direction. Overnight visitor arrivals declined by 1.2 percent, from 133.0 thousand in the second quarter of 2025 to 131.4 thousand this year.
The post Cruise arrivals jump 29%, fueling growth in services sector appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Data from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) shows that the services sector expanded by 3.4 percent during the second quarter of 2026, emerging as the main driver of the country’s 1.4 percent economic growth. The tertiary sector generated $885.3 million between April and June, up $28.9 million from the same period
The post Cruise arrivals jump 29%, fueling growth in services sector appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.