Tourist General Information
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM GUIDELINES
- Buy local. Buy locally made souvenirs where possible. (But avoid souvenirs made from coral, skins, other wildlife or authentic Mayan artifacts. Reproductions make ideal souvenirs.)
- Support locally owned private and community operated tourism initiatives
- Only go on tours endorsed by the local people
- Always ask before photographing people (or videotaping them). If you don‘t speak the language, a smile and gesture will be understood. Don‘t give money or sweets to children, it encourages begging and demeans the child. A donation to a community project, health center or school is more constructive.
- Respect local etiquette. It will earn you respect. In Belize, loose and lightweight clothes are preferable to revealing shorts, skimpy tops or tight fitting wear. Please wear bathing suits when swimming in rivers near communities
- Learn a little of the local language, history and current affairs of a country. It prevents misunderstandings and you will get more out of your visit.
- Be patient, friendly and sensitive. Remember — you‘re a guest.
Adapted from ―The Community Tourism Guide‖ by Mark Mann for Tourism Concern
WHAT TO BRING FOR PERSONAL USE
- Hiking boots or strong footwear (esp. if considering a jungle tour)
- Flashlight (most guesthouses have kerosene lamps but no electricity)
- Long pants and long-sleeved shirts, change of clothes
- Something to swim / bathe in
- Warm sweater or light jacket as the evenings can get cool
- Snacks if you have a big appetite — supplies in village shops are very limited
- A bottle or more of drinking water (depending on planned length of stay) – reusable bottles are best!
- Mosquito repellent, sun cream
- Rainwear and hat
- Toilet paper and sanitary products
- Battery operated alarm clock
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
For every meal, tour or lesson you purchase, funds are distributed as follows:
|
Information |
Rate |
| Service Provider |
75% |
| Community healthcare and Education |
10% |
| TEA Operational Expense |
15% |
XIV: THE GENERAL FUND
Each night at a TEA guesthouse, the guest pays $25.00 BZ. Of that:
|
Information |
Rate |
| Guesthouse Attendant |
$6Bz |
| Tour Coordinator |
$6Bz |
| Contact Person |
$6Bz |
| Office funds |
$6Bz |
| Guesthouse Funds |
$6Bz |
| Belize Tourism Tax |
$6Bz |
| Total |
$6Bz |
XV. REGISTRATION FEE
The registration fee of BZ $10 is vital to keep the program alive. $5 goes to the establishment that refers you to the program, whether this is a restaurant, bar, taxi driver, hotel, guesthouse or the office itself. This encourages the promotion of the program throughout the town and covers the time it takes to promote and explain the program and answer questions. Once the visitor is interested they should go to the TEA office for more information and payment. The remaining $5 goes to the office to cover office supplies, and other costs of publishing this booklet and running the program. TEA members work mainly on a voluntary basis, often supported by foreign volunteers, to keep the office run- fling and program operating, although stipends for transport are provided for the monthly executive meetings. The aim is to generate funds towards a modest salary for office management duties through the registration fee.