Island Tourism Stakeholder take part in Sustainability as a Business Revaluation Workshop

On November 26th, in San Pedro Town, Riviera Maya Sostenible, a Mexico-based organization, partnered with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) to host a workshop titled “Sustainability as a Business Revaluation Process” at the San Pedro Lions Club Den. The event aimed to support global sustainability goals by raising awareness and encouraging the local tourism industry to adopt sustainable practices. Promoting sustainability is essential for Belize’s tourism sector, as it contributes to economic growth while safeguarding the environment and preserving cultural heritage.
The workshop’s primary goal was to equip companies with the resources to incorporate sustainability into their daily operations. Participants, including local business owners, government representatives, and resort managers, discussed how sustainability can catalyze corporate growth and community development. The training highlighted that adopting sustainable practices is about meeting compliance requirements and a strategic opportunity to enhance brand value and operational efficiency.
Topics included:
Certification Program: This promotes sustainable tourism practices by connecting businesses, government, academia, and civil society. For Belizean businesses, this certification enhances environmental stewardship, improves operational efficiency, and attracts eco-conscious travelers, ultimately boosting their market competitiveness and sustainability efforts.
Sustainable Tourism Practices: The program discussed several eco-friendly tourism strategies that local companies can adopt. These strategies include protecting cultural assets, supporting local economies, and reducing environmental impacts.
Certification Procedures: Participants learned about various sustainable tourism certification schemes. These certifications can enhance a company’s visibility and attract eco-conscious tourists, making it more competitive.
Collaboration and Partnerships: The importance of cooperation between stakeholders was highlighted. The event encouraged partnerships between businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to foster a more sustainable tourism environment.
Innovative Solutions: The workshop highlighted innovative technologies and solutions for achieving sustainability goals. These included topics such as eco-friendly transportation options, renewable energy sources, and waste management strategies. The event emphasized how sustainable tourism drives Belize’s economy forward.
Local companies adopting sustainable practices can enhance their profitability while improving community well-being by creating jobs and promoting environmental responsibility. Prioritizing participatory governance is essential to ensuring that diverse opinions are considered in decision-making related to tourism development. This partnership aims to maintain its commitment to sustainability through additional training sessions and workshops. The organization intends to strengthen its role as a facilitator of sustainable practices in the region, ensuring that tourism remains a powerful economic driver while preserving natural resources for future generations.
This recent workshop served as a crucial platform for promoting eco-friendly travel strategies in San Pedro Town. Partnerships prioritizing sustainability play a significant role in fostering a more responsible and successful tourism sector.