Ethical Traveler has selected Belize as one of the best ten Post-Pandemic Ethical Destinations.  And there are now only 39 active covid cases in Belize. Belize Post-Pandemic Ethical Destination and almost covid free. What are you waiting for – time to head to Belize!

Ethical Traveler is a nonprofit organization seeking to use the economic clout of tourism to protect human rights and the environment. Ethical Traveler is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that does not solicit money or donations from any nations, governments, travel bureaus, or individuals in the creation of our annual list.  Check them out at https://ethicaltraveler.org/.  

Here is what they say about Belize:  Belize’s natural beauty is staggering for a country of such tiny proportions, with exotic birds, ancient Mayan ruins, underwater caves, rainforest-drenched mountains, and Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world. Belize was an Ethical Destinations winner in 2017 and 2018.

While Belize was able to contain the spread of the COVID-19 disease relatively well, the economic impact is devastating for the most tourism-dependent economy in continental Latin America. The travel and tourism sector directly and indirectly represented over one third of Belize’s GDP in 2019. By October 2020, there was already a 20% decline in GDP, and tax revenues were no longer able to sustain the government’s regular expenditures.

Tens of thousands in the tourism sector lost their employment. Over 80,000 Belizeans—more than one third from the tourism sector—applied for financial assistance. The government had to close applications within a month because it was unable to accommodate the growing number of applicants.

Belize should be commended for putting the health of its citizens above economic factors. It closed its international airport back in late March and only reopened to tourists on October 1st after developing extensive COVID-19 safety protocols, for which Belize was recognized as an Industry Leader.

Belize has also taken the pandemic as an opportunity to reflect on the future of tourism. The country has launched an ambitious plan to make its tourism sector more sustainable. This includes investment in infrastructure to new and existing destinations, ensuring more еquіtу іn the induѕtrу (along with mоrе Веlіzеаn іnvеѕtmеnt аnd оwnеrѕhір), аnd mахіmіzіng lіnkаgеѕ bеtwееn tоurіѕm аnd оthеr іnduѕtrіеѕ. Another important part of this plan is Belize’s focus on investing in its ecosystems and creating a resilient economy that values and protects the natural resources that sustain it.

What can we do?

Belize and its citizens need the return of tourism to recover from this crisis. By visiting Belize in an ethical way, travelers can support both the Belizean economy and its ambitious sustainable tourism plan. By the “ethical way” we mean following responsible travel guidelines, such as seeking out locally-owned lodges and providers, and respecting Belize’s strict safety protocols.

Howler Monkeys live in the pristine jungles of Belize

On the list of the ten best Post-Pandemic Ethical Destinations and being almost covid free, Belize is calling!  Azure warm seas and pristine jungle await.  Time to pack your bags and head this way.

We can help you get here if you contact us at divebelizewithsplash@gmail.com or the contact button on our website www.splashbelize.com.