Travel Better

Sustainable tourism is hot. According to a recent report released by Booking.com, 87% of people have a desire to travel sustainably. Discover Austin-based Muy’Ono Resorts, which has launched a comprehensive program to promote a sustainable approach to tourism in Belize. For a limited time, Texas Tribune Readers enjoy exclusive savings on their next vacation. Six out of 10 travelers also indicated that they were inspired to protect the natural wonders they encountered on their travels. Belize is an ideal destination for the conscientious adventure traveler who cares about the environment.

My Austin-based company, Muy’Ono Resorts, has launched a comprehensive program to promote a sustainable approach to tourism in Belize. Our new “Travel Better” initiative is an overarching program designed to protect the incredible natural environment, support local communities and preserve the unique cultures that make Belize special. As the largest resort management firm in the country, we are leading the way for the entire industry. Muy’Ono Resorts manages properties ranging from private islands with overwater bungalows to beautiful beach resorts and luxury jungle and river lodges nestled among thousands of acres of pristine rain forest.

Each of our nine resorts in Belize has adopted a variety of eco-friendly practices to protect the environment so that visitors can experience the best of Belize. All resorts provide guests with complimentary aluminum water bottles, which has enabled the elimination of all disposable plastic and Styrofoam. The firm’s investment in solar and wind power has dramatically reduced the environmental impact of electricity production, especially in the islands and in the jungle. Other practices include the removal of single-use shampoos, rainwater harvesting and strict “leave no trace” guidelines for fishing, snorkeling, diving, caving, hiking and other activities that could negatively impact fragile ecosystems.

We also support communities throughout Belize with extensive philanthropic work. This includes actively promoting the “Pack for a Purpose” initiative, team community service projects, donating dozens of trips to charity auctions and a creative giving program based on guests’ stays. The employees of each property select a different local charity every month to receive a donation from the resort that is based on the number of rooms nights sold. The more guests that visit the resort, the more that resort donates! Resort team members then invite guests to match this donation. Our contribution is $1, $2.50 or $50 U.S. per room night, depending on the resort. This program distributed over $35,000 in high-impact contributions to dozens of local charitable organizations in the first eight months of 2019.

Sustainability is not just about the environment; it includes preserving the diverse cultures of the country. We celebrate these cultures and make them an integral part of the guest experience. In addition to encouraging team members to share their personal stories, each of our resorts offers Garifuna and Mayan cooking lessons, drumming and dance sessions, history and ecology lectures and an authentic living experience that brings guests into a real Mayan home.

The “Travel Better” program continues to evolve, as Muy'Ono Resorts goes to great lengths to support the people and the natural habitats of Belize. New initiatives include the development of an organic farm to serve the entire resort portfolio; an expanded giving program to include the tour businesses; a renewed emphasis on energy conservation; and active support for new legislation to ban unsustainable fishing practices and to protect the marine environment.

So, whether you would be helping women in crisis, local schools, the world’s second largest barrier reef, or the diverse wildlife of Belize, you can do more than just vacation. You can “Travel Better” and feel good about yourself while making memories that will last a lifetime. For a limited time, Texas Tribune Readers save 25% off their vacation to any Muy’Ono Resort. Go to muyono.com/trib to learn more!

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Travel Better with Muy’Ono Resorts, the largest collection of independent resorts in Belize. Muy’Ono Resorts hand select each independent resort to provide unique experiences in the most beautiful locations in the country: from jungles to beaches to private islands. Guests can expect unforgettable vacations while helping to preserve Belize for generations to come through the Muy’Ono Travel Better program. Each Muy’Ono Resort is committed to preserving the beautiful and fragile natural environment of Belize, serving others through philanthropy programs, and celebrating the diverse local cultures with guests. Muy’Ono Resorts proudly offer Muy’Ono Adventures, providing guests with unrivalled activities, all from one brand. Guests immerse themselves in local culture, try hands-on culinary experiences, explore ancient ruins and caves, and of course – snorkel, SCUBA, and fish along the Belize Barrier Reef. Muy’Ono Resorts and Adventures provide the best experiences in Belize. See for yourself!