As the travel industry looks back on a wild 2023, the Walt Disney World Resort is looking forward to 2024 with events, openings and tips for the new year.
30.11.2023 - 10:17 / breakingtravelnews.com / Marine Reserve
World Ocean’s Day and Environment Day are a chance to celebrate wonderful marine life and exceptional natural beauty, whilst also providing an opportunity to educate visitors on the best ways to care for oceans and protect the world we live in where they visit.
Belize is a destination that demonstrates a deep care for the ocean and the wider environment, as it has committed to protecting 30 percent of its marine territory, more than 10,000 square kilometers.
By holding responsible tourism at the core of its value systems, Belize has developed projects that encourage travellers to engage with the country’s rainforests, reefs, and unique culture in a truly sustainable and responsible manner. In line with other initiatives, such as a complete ban on single-use plastic, this has made Belize a leader in conservation in the Caribbean and even globally.
Belize has seven marine protected areas, including the Blue Hole Natural Monument, Glover’s Reef Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, and Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, to name a few. The lush blue waters are bountiful with biodiversity having over 500 species of luminous fishes, sea creatures, and corals.
The efforts of several non-governmental organisations, small businesses, and locals in Belize, champion the reef’s protection to preserve it for generations to come.
Here are just some of the ways Belize is working towards protecting its oceans, marine life, and environment:
Sustainable catch of the day
As a collaborative effort with several organizations, Oceana Belize launched the Fish Right Eat Right (FRER) certification program in 2016 to discourage illegal fishing and promote sustainability and responsible food sourcing and consumption in Belize. This helps to protect the beloved Belize Barrier Reef through sustainable fishing, which restores fish stock and builds the marine ecosystem. The FRER program has trained 53 fisherfolks and 48 restauranteurs via online training packages on sustainable fishing methods, fisheries regulations, fish handling, and several others. The Fish Right Eat Right program ensures that consumers get the best and the most sustainable catch when having sea-to-plate meals.
Single-use plastic ban
In recent years, Belize phased out single-use plastics and Styrofoam to help prevent thousands of animals such as sea turtles, marine mammals, and even seabirds from getting entrapped or ingesting these harmful materials. The community came together to spread awareness by participating in clean-up campaigns and a social media educational campaign on several topics regarding the ban on single-use plastics and information about the famed Belize Barrier Reef.
Protecting reef habitats
Home to the second-largest living
As the travel industry looks back on a wild 2023, the Walt Disney World Resort is looking forward to 2024 with events, openings and tips for the new year.
Alaska Airlines has been in the news lately for the carrier's proposed merger with Hawaiian Airlines, a move that Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci said will "expand options for West Coast and Hawai'i travelers."
Nestled in the heart of Central America, Belize offers more than just pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Inland Belize, particularly the area surrounding San Ignacio, beckons adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts with its lush jungles, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant local culture. San Ignacio: A Gateway to Inland Adventures
Belize, a tropical paradise nestled in Central America, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant marine life, and warm hospitality. Among its many jewels, the serene and picturesque Placencia stands out as a haven for those seeking tranquility and relaxation. With its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Placencia offers an idyllic escape for travelers looking to unwind and rejuvenate amid nature’s beauty.
This story about Saint Paul's Hmong Village is part of Home, Made, a collection of stories honoring Asian diasporas creating vibrant communities by weaving their heritages with their American hometowns. Read more here.
High-speed rail company Brightline is making celebrating the holidays easy this year with $39 sale fares during Christmas and New Year’s.
A few years ago, at a reception at the Polish embassy in Bern, Switzerland, an elderly Jewish man pulled the ambassador aside and relayed an unbelievable story. They were standing on holy ground, the man said, a place where near-secret acts of heroism played out during World War II. Intrigued, the ambassador, Jakob Kumoch, tasked his staff with looking into the man’s claims. Soon, an incredible history emerged.
For travelers dreaming of being home for Christmas without airplane delays, a new study has helpful data points that can potentially make your holiday travels hassle-free.
Turkish Airlines flies to 345 destinations in more different nations than any other carrier in the world, with one of the newest and most acclaimed airports as its hub. It also consistently ranks among the very best airlines and just won–again–Best Airline in Europe in the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards, the industry’s most influential, beating out the likes of Air France, Swiss, Lufthansa, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. It also took home four other Number Ones in the awards, including Best Economy Class Seat in Europe and Best Business Class Cuisine worldwide. (I recently wrote in detail here at Forbes about another award-winning carrier, Qatar Airways, which has won World’s Best Airline and World’s Best Business Class among other titles).
In the historic streets of Trieste, an often overlooked town on Italy’s Istria peninsula, there is an aroma of coffee in the air. Dating back to the early 18th century, when the tax on coffee beans arriving at its port was waived, the city has had a deep association with coffee and was the main entry point for coffee beans into Europe. In the historic centre, visitors can still find some of the original coffee houses, modelled on those found in Vienna at the time and, each year, the city hosts the Trieste Coffee Festival.
The addition of the four new destinations comes in response to continued demand from customers and independent travel agents. The additions provide them with even more choice when it comes to booking a sunshine holiday or city break in Summer 24 and Summer 25.
Belize, a small Central American country nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, is renowned for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs. Among its many jewels, Caye Caulker stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable snorkeling experience. The crystal-clear waters surrounding this charming island provide a gateway to a mesmerizing underwater world, making snorkeling at Caye Caulker one of the best things to do in Belize. Caye Caulker, often referred to as the “Go Slow” island, is a tranquil paradise located off the coast of Belize. With its laid-back atmosphere, sandy streets, and colorful Caribbean-style houses, the island offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. While Caye Caulker has much to offer in terms of relaxation and natural beauty, it is the underwater realm that truly captivates visitors.