Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort has become Belize’s first Green Globe Certified beachfront property.
Operating in 80+ countries, Green Globe is the “worldwide sustainability certification based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses.”
The eco-resort began working towards its certification in September 2009 and achieved it in April 2010.
What will be the Top 5 Travel Trends in 2010?
Adventure and luxury travel website iExplore predicts these 5 travel trends:
It’s All About Value. “Bargain hunting will still abound in 2010 as consumers have been trained by the deep discounting of the past two years to seek out the lowest prices—however, in 2010 consumers will be willing to spend if they feel like they are getting a unique experience at a good price.”
Ecotourism Here to Stay. “Not a new trend, but will still continue to play a part in consumer’s travel decisions in 2010—consumers are looking for hotels and resorts that are eco-friendly as well as destinations like Panama, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Belize that offer the opportunity to explore the rainforests, jungles and get back to nature.”
Baby Boomers Taking Experiential Trips. “Over 75 million Baby Boomers in the United States continue to shape trends. This is an active and affluent group and instead of just passing down their money, they are choosing to create lasting memories and spend the inheritance by taking their kids and grandkids on cultural and experiential vacations—hiking the Machu Picchu Trail, African Safari’s and Alaskan Adventures.”
Travel: Not a Game of Risk. “Due to the uncertain economy and insecurity about jobs and investments, many more travelers are taking out trip insurance in advance of big trips.”
Unique and Customized Itineraries. “The customization trend that is so popular and prevalent in other consumer categories has hit travel. Consumers want truly unique and off the beaten path itineraries that cater to their passions and hobbies—for example: trips to Southeast Asia that focus on photography, cooking classes in Italy or fishing in Argentina with a private guide.”
Wildlife and natural history holiday specialist Reef & Rainforest Tours says it’s supporting sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation with its ‘Preservation through Visitation’ philosophy.
“The positive role of wildlife tourism in helping to preserve diminishing wilderness and endangered wildlife is an integral ingredient in our natural history holidays”, says the company.
Established almost 20 years ago, Reef & Rainforest Tours specializes in upmarket wildlife and natural history holidays with its three programs ‘Tailor-Made’, ‘Escorted Groups’ and ‘Family Adventure’. Tour destinations include Belize, Costa Rica, Madagascar, Borneo, Ecuador Galapagos, Brazil, Venezuela, Rwanda, Peru, Seychelles, Papua New Guinea, India, Sri Lanka, Guyana, Panama and Tanzania.
Gap Adventures is increasing its worldwide offerings by 185 new trips in 2010. The company is featuring dozens of new destinations, a new trip style and an expanded list of activity options.
Here are Gap’s Top 10 New Trips for 2o10:
1. Paris to Prague Adventure
2. Project Kenya and Safari
3. Budget Galapagos
4. Istanbul to Cairo Adventure
5. Thailand Sailing – Koh Phi Phi to Phuket
6. El Salvador Express
7. Mayan Encounter
8. Machu Picchu Adventure
9. Vic Falls to Zanzibar Overland
10. Sail Belize
For more trips, visit GapAdventures.com.
