Belize Celebrates Independence And Its Success As A Green, Sustainable Tourism Destination

SAN IGNACIO, Belize, Sept. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Belize is commemorating thirty-seven years of independence throughout September 2018, and according to The Lodge at Chaa Creek, the success of the little country's green, sustainable tourism industry is another cause for celebration.

Chaa Creek managing director Bryony Fleming Bradley said that since independence, tourism has raised the standard of living in Belize while creating a model for sustainable development.

"I can't think of another country where tourism is such a part of the national identity," Ms Bradley said. "Tourism is not only a key economic driver, it's also a reflection of Belize's commitment to environmental protection and support for local communities," she added.

Ms Bradley's parents, Mick and Lucy Fleming, opened Belize's first eco-resort when they began accepting guests at their farm in western Belize in 1981 ? just as Belize achieved independence from Great Britain.

From its humble beginnings, Chaa Creek grew to become one of the region's premier eco-resorts, with a wide range of accommodations, amenities and attractions on offer within its 400-acre private nature reserve.

And, like Belize itself, Chaa Creek's development focussed on environmental and social responsibility, Ms Bradley explained.

"My parents are lifelong environmentalists, and they've also received international recognition and awards for their work in supporting local communities and culture. And fortunately, they weren't alone in promoting sustainable tourism in Belize.

"So I think it's important that when we celebrate Belize's independence, we also celebrate that national commitment towards protecting the environment and supporting our people and communities," she said.

Belize's Independence Day celebrations are actually a month-long affair, starting even before the bank holiday of St George's Caye Day on September 10, and peaking on Independence Day on the 21st, with a variety of parades, events, and a carnival filling in the rest of the month.

St George's Caye Day commemorates a battle fought near the tiny island of that name just off the country's Caribbean coast. On September 10, 1798, a small militia formed by the residents of a British settlement on the mouth of the Belize River repelled a much larger Spanish invasion in what is considered to be Belize's first unified steps towards nationhood.

Later, after years of self-governing though elected magistrates, the remote settlement joined the British Empire as the Crown Colony of British Honduras on 1862. Over the following years, Great Britain and Spain, and then Guatemala, disputed ownership of the land while, within the colony, Belizeans increasingly agitated for self-rule, and then independence.

Belize finally became a sovereign nation after declaring independence on September 21, 1981, and was soon welcomed into the United Nations.

As a developing country without name recognition or a marketing budget, but with stunning natural attractions, the new nation began developing a fledging tourism industry.

Thirty-seven years later, Belize is a popular tourism destination enjoying a steady annual increase in tourist arrivals and a worldwide reputation as a model for sustainable development.

And it is that latter attribute that Belizeans take particular pride in, Ms Bradley said.

"To develop so rapidly is one thing, but to do it in a way that actually benefits the environment and local communities is a real victory, and something we'll also be celebrating on the 21st of September," she said.

Ms Bradley stressed that while it is important to honour national heroes such as Phillip Goldson, who was sentenced to a year's hard labour by the colonial government for his work as a newspaperman and political activist, and George Cadle Price, the country's first prime minister widely regarded as the father of modern day Belize, there are plenty of contemporary champions to acknowledge.

"There are a lot of unsung heroes in Belize who are still working to ensure a brighter future for our children by protecting Belize's natural assets and supporting our communities.

"Like most Belizeans, I'm very proud of the progress we've made, aware of the challenges we still face, and confident that we'll continue to show the world that sustainability and success can go hand in hand.

"And that's what we invite our friends around the world to join us in celebrating on the 21st of September," Ms Bradley said.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek is a multi-award winning eco resort set within a 400-acre private nature reserve along the banks of the Macal River in Belize. It was recognised by National Geographic with first place honours at the 2017 World Legacy Awards held in Berlin.

SOURCE The Lodge at Chaa Creek