Celebrating One Year of Belú Travel: An Off-Road Ride Through Inspiration, Challenges, and Dreams

Exactly one year ago, I had my appointment at the KVK (The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce) office in Amsterdam to officially register my company with the approval of my Dutch Business Advisor, and I can still recall how happy and excited I was. Today, as we celebrate the first anniversary of the birth of Belú Travel on this Friday 19th of July of 2024, I feel immense gratitude and joy for the great adventure we have dared to embark on through our purpose-driven travel startup. It has not always been easy, we have had setbacks and wins in this crazy journey, but everything has been worthwhile and led me to a huge self-growth. This milestone is not just a celebration of our company’s evolution, but also a testament to the vision and passion that inspired its creation.

The Inspiration Behind Belú Travel ??

Belú Travel was born out of a profound love for conscious exploration and a commitment to sustainable and regenerative tourism. Growing up, my parents instilled in me a sense of adventure and a profound appreciation for nature and nurtured my cultural awareness. Our frequent trips to beautiful natural hidden gems across Central America, our visits to different indigenous communities (including my grandmother’s town in Yoro, Honduras), Garífuna villages and our memorable travel experiences to different countries, opened my mind to new worlds and helped me find my life-purpose igniting my passion for making a difference through travel for people and nature.

Witnessing the beauty and diversity of Mesoamerica and how overlooked many of its destinations are, I was inspired to create a unique travel company based on the foundations of regenerative travel and authenticity. I hope that through Belú Travel, we can shine a light on these incredible destinations that have so much potential thanks to their rich natural diversity and colorful cultural tapestry. Belú Travel aims to offer travelers authentic and enriching experiences while preserving & supporting the cultural and natural heritage of the destinations we visit.

Our Goals and Vision ??

At Belú Travel, our primary goal is to create & curate bespoke travel experiences that support local communities, promote education, preserve natural environments, and foster cultural exchange in a responsible way. We believe that tourism can be a powerful force for good, and we are dedicated to ensuring that our tours provide decent income and opportunities for local communities that were not previously available.

We want to showcase the unparalleled beauty of Mesoamerica and South America, from the lush rainforests and pristine beaches to the vibrant cultures and traditions, these regions have so much to offer. By promoting sustainable tourism, we aim to protect and develop these treasure troves for future generations while providing our travelers with transforming & memorable experiences.

Challenges and Wins ??

The journey to our first anniversary has not been without its challenges. Navigating the complexities of establishing a new company, building partnerships, and promoting sustainable tourism practices require determination and resilience. We have faced obstacles such as market competition, lack of funding, and the need to educate travelers about the importance of responsible tourism, among other issues.

However, each challenge has been an opportunity for growth and learning. Through perseverance and the unwavering support of our community, our team, our partners, and travelers, we are overcoming these hurdles and establishing Belú Travel as a trusted luminary in the universe of regenerative tourism.

Dreaming Big for the Future ??

My co-founder Claudia ?trauchová (the best co-founder in the world) and I have big dreams for Belú Travel. We are both very ambitious about the future and filled with hope, they say to achieve great things first you have to imagine them. We envision expanding our reach to more destinations across the world, contributing to transforming the travel industry for the better through our regenerative approach, further enriching our travel experiences with the best coaches & retreat leaders in the world and deepening our impact on local communities. We aim to forge stronger partnerships with local organizations, artisans, community leaders, tour guides, tour operators and conservationists to create more meaningful and sustainable travel opportunities.

Moreover, we aspire to be leaders in the sustainable & philanthropic tourism industry, providing the most amazing travel coaching services and advocating for responsible travel practices and encounters, inspiring other companies to follow our steps. Our ultimate dream is to create a global community of conscious travelers who understand and value the importance of preserving our planet’s cultural & natural heritage and want to contribute to the development and/or restoration of the destination through their journey. At Belú Travel, every journey starts in the heart! ??

A Heartfelt Thank You ????

As we celebrate the 1st year anniversary of Belú Travel, I want to extend my heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey. To our dedicated and amazing team, supportive partners & community, and to the adventurous travelers that want to make a difference in the world – thank you for believing in Belú Travel and our mission. Together, we are making a positive impact that will inherit a better world for future generations, and I am excited for what tomorrow will bring. ?

Here’s to many more years of adventure, exploration, sustainability, and shared memories. Happy first anniversary, Belú Travel! ??

With Love,

Viena Fromm

Founder & CEO