Responsible Tourism in Destinations lll

The Third International Conference on Responsible Tourism was held at the University of Belize Campus in the Capital City of Belmopan from October 19-23, 2009. The Event was Co-Chaired by Dr. Harold Goodwin of Leeds Metropolitan University, UK and Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. Belize's Minister of Tourism Civil Aviation and Culture.   Over 250 Delegates representing some 21 countries converged on this tiny capital of about 13,000 residents for the weeks discourse.

The Main Topics addressed were: Tourism and Local Economic development Second Home Tourism its impact on local communities Responsible Cruise Tourism Tourism's impact on marine and coastal areas Tourism and Climate Change. (See Downloadable Presentations)

At the end of the week long dialogue five independent declarations were made each addressing the tourism subsectors mentioned above.  (SEE BELIZE DECLARATIONS)

In its continued commitment, the Ministry of Tourism and the Government of Belize are currently developing a National Responsible Tourism Policy which will be followed by the development of a new Tourism Master Plan which is being worked on under the Governments Newly launched $30 Million Dollar Sustainable Tourism Development Project.

Announcements were made at this year's closing ceremonies that Responsible Tourism In Destinations lV will be held in Oman in 2010 and for RTD V will be held in Alberta, Canada in 2011.

Download Declaratons here: DECLARATIONS DOWNLOAD