Belize leads the pack

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It's not just an idea any more, but a necessity. In the face of a global economic slowdown, erratic fuel prices, corporate collapses, and environmental degradation the world over (I hate to sound like the Book of Revelations, but you know...), competing for tourist dollars while growing a sustainable and healthy tourism industry is an urgent need for Caribbean nations.

Belize seems to have gotten the idea, and is putting its money where its mouth is. In recent weeks, the government has pledged over $13million to promote responsible tourism, with a focus on its most popular tourism destinations: San Ignacio in the Cayo District, Placencia in the Stann Creek District, San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, and Belize City.

In the words of Belize's Director of Tourism for the Belize Tourism Board: "our focus is to help build Belize as an emerging destination in a responsible way, thereby setting the tone for future developments and advances throughout the country. The initiatives presented in Belize’s new plan will promote sustainability and foster mutually beneficial relationships between residents and investors."

In Belize City, infrastructural developments will include a pedestrian link from the cruise ship port to the city’s downtown area, allowing locals to benefit from cruise tourism; as well as re-surfacing of the street, installation of wider sidewalks, lighting and landscaping. In Placencia, a natural disaster management plan will be put into place, along with the construction of an extended pier, allowing visiting yachts and boats to dock and access the area. In San Pedro, an outlet mall will be built on the western side of the town, which will create new jobs and local opportunities for growth. And, in San Ignacio, the sustainable tourism projects will focus on improving accessibility to, and preservation of, key archeological sites. In addition, a town cultural center will be developed to help tourists access all the services San Ignacio has to offer.

Complementing the new initiative in May will be the third annual World Conference on Responsible Tourism by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT).

Fisheries

Earlier this year, the Belize government also passed legislation protecting bonefish, permit and tarpon – and consequently the coral ecosystems they inhabit – from any fishing which does not involve catch and release. This is intended to consolidate Belize's appeal as a fly-fishing destination, by protecting its marine resources from depletion.

Initiatives like this one are part of Belize's longstanding commitment to preserving its national environment. Over 40% of the country's natural resources have been dedicated to preservation efforts, from the creation of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary – the first jaguar sanctuary in the world – to the dedication of Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

Travellers' Choice

Belize's legislative and conservation efforts have not been in vain. According to a recent TripAdvisor poll, Belize's hotels and resorts are also considered among the best in the world. Nine villas were recognised in the site's 2009 Travelers' Choice Awards: Mopan River Resort; Hamanasi Resort; Chabil Mar Villas; Mata Chica Beach Resort; Thatch Caye Resort; Victoria House; White Sands Cove Resort; Cotton Tree Lodge; and The Villas at Banyan Bay.