Despite being located near tourist hotspots and boasting rich Mayan culture and tropical landscapes, the Zona Maya of Quintana Roo and its Mayan residents did not reap the full benefits of tourism. To foster more equitable opportunities, the Mesoamerican Reef Tourism Initiative (MARTI) supported the establishment of Mayaka’an. This new...
Four of the Mesoamerican Caribbean’s most popular destinations are working hard to balance sustainability with business growth through their partnership with the Mesoamerican Reef Tourism Initiative (MARTI) and Sustainable Travel International. Riviera Maya, Cozumel, Roatán, and Utila have assessed their environmental footprints and developed plans to receive sustainable destination certifications....
Since 2009, venomous lionfish have been invading Cozumel Reef National Park, killing native fish and scaring both locals and tourists. Mexico’s National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) quickly launched a successful campaign to get locals and tourists involved in turning the invasive species into a popular menu item. Divers...
Since 2013, Sustainable Travel International has been working closely with the Arawak and Carib indigenous communities in the Para district of Suriname to identify tourism products that highlight their unique culture. These included a small visitor center highlighting traditional music, a guided tour of a medicinal garden, a tour of...
Capturing the North American tourist market to alleviate rural poverty and support local conservation efforts in Namibia. Where & Why Located along the Atlantic Ocean in Southern Africa, Namibia spans over 800,000 square kilometers of natural and cultural diversity. Namibia’s resident population is made up of at least 11 different...