28 / 64
forestry has been making a comeback in Belize.
Reforestation
in the pine
forests and the creation of plantations where fast-growing tropical hard-
wood trees like teak and mahogany are grown is becoming more common.
Tourism on the Rise
A combination of natural factors—climate, the longest barrier reef in the
Western Hemisphere, numerous islands, excellent fishing, safe waters
for boating, jungle wildlife, and Mayan ruins—support Belize’s increas-
ingly important tourist industry. The number of foreign tourists rose
throughout the 2000s, topping one million in 2012 for the first time and
exceeding that figure every year since then. A small number of airlines
provide service to Belize—American Airlines, Continental Airlines, and
Belize
28
A teak plantation at the
edge of the rainforest in
Belize. The climate in
certain parts of Belize is
ideal for growing hard-
woods like teak and
mahogany, which are
used to make furniture,
boats, and other items.