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Larry
Smith, owner of the Sea Front Inn served as a founding member
of T.A.S.T.E. – an organization with a mission to preserve
the Sapadilla Cayes Marine Reserve
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After
Iris – the
hurricane that devastated parts of the Toledo District on
October 8, 2002 - owners of the Sea Front Inn raised funds
to help rebuild destroyed homes.
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Our Philosophy About the
Environment
The Sea Front Inn cherishes the surrounding natural and cultural
environment. We actively support resource conservation and the self-determined,
sustainable development of those who live among us. We believe in respecting the animals and plants that inhabit
this area. We hope you’ll choose to share our philosophy
when you visit and wherever your travels may take you. Learn
more about protected areas
of the Toledo District
Our Philosophy About Sustainable Development
and Tourism
“Sustainable
tourism meets the needs of present tourists and host regions
while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future.
It is envisaged as leading to management of all resources
in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can
be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential
ecological processes, biological diversity and life support
systems.”
World Trade Organization
We believe that it’s possible to offer
you a high quality experience while also supporting local sustainability.
We do this by:
hiring Toledo District residents at
a fair wage to build and maintain our facility, as well as provide service
to our visitors.
using local guides to provide our tours.
integrating sound
natural resource conservation practices when managing the hotel.
contributing
to the community by supporting local programs through in-kind services
and direct donations.
About the Owners
Larry and Carol Smith moved from Panama
City, Florida to the Toledo District of Belize in 1973, where their
3 children were born and raised. They spent 20 years working with
the Mopan and K’ekchi’ Maya
as volunteer missionaries. Upon completing their assignment, they
began building the hotel in 1996. They opened the hotel in November
1997, with only 3 rooms and no employed staff.
Carol and
Larry Smith
(top left) have lived and served in the Toledo District since
1973. Pictured here with their immediate family. Standing – Daughter
Aprill and husband Roberto Echeveria holding their 2 yr old
Malakai. Sitting – Abby and
Justin Smith holding Zeke (2 yrs.) and Josiah (5 mos.). Far
right sitting – Jason Smith, eldest of the Smith’s
children. |
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