Belize family vacation

Planet

Belize is rapidly changing as more direct flight options from the United States are opening up; that said we have been running tours in Belize for two decades and have built up a network of locally owned guesthouses and hotels which helps to keep tourist dollars in the local community.

Many of the communities we visit survive off the tourism economy and are engaged with protecting their local environment, whether it be jungle, wetland or reef. An example is our time spent in Cockscomb basin National Park where all the produce used in the restaurant where we eat is sourced locally and guests can even pick mango's and avocados from the tree which is an experience that people really appreciate.

We donate to and visit the Baboon Sanctuary an area designated for the protection of the howler monkeys. Where we use local providers for excursions such as lamanai and the snorkelling trips our local crew are trained in and brief on responsible tourism and the protection of the flora and fauna (coral reefs) in the area.

As a travel company we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key, and so all staff, Tour Leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage.

People

At the Crooked Tree Wildlife Reserve we visit the Belize Audobon Society's ranger station, which does a lot of work into educating the young people in the area in wildlife protection. Part of the entrance fees for the reserve are used for an outreach programme in neighbouring schools aimed at increasing awareness of the conservation efforts being made and the benefits both for the wildlife and communities through increased tourism.

We also support the Mayan community at the Cockscomb sanctuary, a small community of Mayan ladies survive on the production of their traditional crafts, we spend two nights here. Staying in the heart of this jungle environment is a unique experience, getting to know both the forest and the local Mopan Maya population that today protect it and benefit from the tourist industry around the park.

As a company we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of the UK travel industry body AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.