Rethinking Tourism: Happy World Tourism Day 2022 From Belize!

by Carolee Chanona

Highlighting the shift towards tourism as a crucial pillar of development, World Tourism Day returns in 2022 to focus on the future. As the sector’s recovery gets underway and builds on unprecedented political and public recognition for the sector, UNWTO will highlight the opportunity to rethink how we do tourism. This means putting people and the planet first and bringing everyone from governments and businesses to local communities together around a shared vision for a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient sector.

Now more than ever, the appreciation for travel and tourism is at an all-time high and Belize’s tourism industry (which accounts for over 40% of Belize’s national GDP) has several reasons to get travelers excited, knowing they will be supporting the restart of greener, smarter and safer tourism model.

Awaken a Sense of Discovery in Belize

The UNESCO-attested composite of the Blue Hole Natural Monument is a real treat, although each of the seven sites composing the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System shines individually. On the mainland, the waves lap like rhythmic Garifuna Drums against the soft, sugar-like sands of Belize’s Southern Coast; thatch and wooden structures in Hopkins, Placencia, and Dangriga culminate in its rustic coastal vibe. However, don’t be fooled—Belize does open guileless adventure tourism just as well as hotel suites and bespoke cocktails. Although, it has a party side too, especially on Ambergris Caye where live music bursts from bars onto cobbled streets after dark. Directly south, Belize’s second-most popular island, Caye Caulker, has an unmistakable magnetism that lies within its colorful wooden homes, sandy streets, and verified go-slow schedule.

Belize-Caye-Caulker-globe-guide-ca

Caye Caulker, Belize. Image by Globe Guide CA

Inland, waterfalls gush and carve the landscapes too; like those running swiftly over the rocks of Mountain Pine Ridge or those of Tiger Fern’s Double Waterfall, accessible only by inclined hiking trails through the mountains of the world’s first jaguar preserve. Oh, and let’s not forget the human side of things. The endearingly “old capital” of Belize City is also home to the beloved Belikin Beer—imported straight out of Ladyville from the outskirts of the city.

This year, awaken a sense of discovery in Belize—a curious destination where tourism is a crucial pillar of development. Happy World Tourism Day 2022 from Belize!

Header image via Casa Al Mar/Duarte Dellarole.

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