On Friday, September 27th, Belize celebrated Tourism Day by hosting a gathering of global leaders during the 1st Annual World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards at the Oakridge Venus in Spanish Lookout. The event aimed to acknowledge individuals and organizations contributing positively to tourism and pioneering sustainability initiatives. Among other countries, Belize stood out and was awarded for being the leading sustainable destination, recognizing its efforts to implement sustainable tourism practices, preserve natural and cultural heritage, and promote responsible tourism worldwide.
Belize was specifically acknowledged for its Blue Bond initiative, which combines debt reduction with long-term funding for marine conservation. Other Belizean winners included Che’il Mayan Chocolate for Leading the Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project, Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association for Leading the Sustainable Marine Conservation Initiative, and Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) for Leading the Sustainable Community Engagement Program. In a press release, the Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, Hon.
Andre Perez, celebrated the Blue Bond as a landmark achievement in Belize’s sustainability journey, especially within the marine conservation sector. He underscored the importance of such innovative financial mechanisms in protecting marine resources. Furthermore, Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Hon.
Anthony Mahler, shared, “We are.