The 2023 World Travel Awards saw the most outstanding performers in travel and hospitality and the world’s leading destinations recognized for their excellence. This year, Belize is among the crème de la crème, having snagged the title of Mexico & Central America’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination 2023 as well as Mexico & Central America’s Leading Dive Destination 2023. The awards ceremony for the Caribbean and the Americas was held in St. Lucia this August.
Highlighting Central America’s Best
Taking the title from 2022 winner Costa Rica, Belize is Mexico and Central America’s leading destination for adventure tourism. The country boasts biodiverse rainforests spanning over half of its landmass. Alongside it is a vast array of cave networks, ancient archaeological sites, national parks, and natural wonders. This makes it the perfect playground for the thrill seeker and the adventure lover.
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- Photo by the Belize Tourism Board
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- At the Bottom of the Belize Black Hole Drop. Photo by Little Wanderbook
Meanwhile, for the second year in a row, Belize stands out as the region’s leading dive destination. With the second-longest barrier reef in the world and the Great Blue Hole right at its doorstep, the country is an irresistible attraction for divers of all kinds.
Leaders in Hospitality
Gaia Riverlodge was among the many Belize resorts nominated for Mexico & Central America’s Leading Boutique Resort 2023. Photo courtesy of property.
Among the many nominees for the World Travel Awards were a long list of Belize resorts and destinations. It included:
- Ambergris Caye nominated for Mexico & Central America’s Leading Island Destination
- Belize City nominated for Mexico & Central America’s Leading City Break Destination
- Belizean Dreams Resort, Blancaneaux Lodge, Gaia Riverlodge, and Ka’ana Resort all nominated for Belize & Central America’s Leading Boutique Resort 2023
- Coco Plum Island Resort and Victoria House Resort & Spa nominated for Mexico & Central America’s Most Romantic Resort 2023
- Matachica Resort & Spa nominated for Mexico & Central America’s Leading Resort 2023
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- Photo by Belizean Dreams Resort
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- Side by side with the Privassion Creek at Blancaneaux Lodge. Photo by Belize My Travels
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- Photo by Victoria House Resort & Spa
Cayo’s own San Ignacio Resort Hotel took the award for Best Hotel in Belize. Meanwhile, Matachica Resort & Spa was recognized as the Best Leading Villa Resort in the country. Finally, Belizean Dreams Resort walked away with the title of Belize’s Leading Resort 2023.
Every year, the WTAs see over 2.3 million tourism executives from 141 countries cast their votes to reward leaders in the industry.
Belize to Host the First-Ever World Travel Sustainability Awards
On the tail of its success in the 2023 World Travel Awards, Belize is poised for even greater achievements come 2024. The Belize Tourism Board announced this week that the country is set to host the first-ever World Travel Sustainability Awards (WTSA). The inaugural event will recognize those at the forefront of the push for more sustainable tourism.
Тhеѕе nеw аwаrdѕ frоm thе Wоrld Тrаvеl Аwаrdѕ wіll ѕhіnе а lіght оn thе bіggеѕt рlауеrѕ іn ѕuѕtаіnаbіlіtу frоm асrоѕѕ thе glоbе, ѕhоwсаѕіng thе bеѕt рrасtісеѕ аnd ѕtаndаrdѕ frоm thе trаvеl іnduѕtrу сrеаtіng а ѕрасе fоr thоѕе іn thе hоѕріtаlіtу, trаvеl аnd tоurіѕm іnduѕtrу thаt іѕ сrеаtіng а роѕіtіvе іmрасt оn оur рlаnеt аnd реорlе,
-Hon. Anthony Mahler, Belize’s Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations
A leader in conservation and responsible tourism, Belize is no doubt a fitting backdrop for the awards ceremony. The 2024 World Travel Sustainability Awards is slated to feature more than 40 new award categories. It will be launched in Dubai at COP28, which commences on November 30th.
Featured Photo: Matachica Resort by Aaron Colussi
