Travelbelize.org celebrates the launch of its travel deal directory, detailing Belize's range of available accommodation and tour specials. Searchable by destination, price or setting, the consistently updated site offers a convenient listing of all the travel deals offered by Belize's private sector, with hotel rooms and adventure tours as low as $25 USD per person. For more information please visit www.travelbelize.org/travel-deals.html.

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Cotton Tree Lodge, located in the southern jungle of Belize, has long been known for its proactive eco-friendly initiatives and "voluntourism" opportunities. But now, the Punta Gorda based lodge is taking this emerging travel trend one step further, by offering "Family Voluntourism" trips that engage guests of all ages. The trips include activities such as building wood-conserving stoves, repairing fences, building fish ponds, planting trees and establishing new school gardens. Cotton Tree Lodge is also introducing day trips to surrounding Maya villages, and the brand new Smaller World Sustainable Chocolate Tour, which allows guests to take part in coco production from seed to chocolate bar. The Smaller World Sustainable Chocolate Tours has openings during sessions in September 2009 and January 2010, while the "Family Voluntourism" trip will take place July 8-14, 2009. For more information about these and other tours offered by Cotton Tree Lodge, visit www.cottontreelodge.com/belize-tours.html.
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Hosted by the Placencia Belize Tourism Industry Association and village council, the 11th Annual Placencia Lobster Fest is scheduled to take place June 26 - 28, 2009. This festival, which honors the Spiny Lobster, once said to have assured the livelihood of Placencia village, is celebrated with events such as a two-day long fishing tournament, a lobster cook-off and entertainment by local musicians. Along with exciting entertainment, delectable lobster dishes will be served to attendees of the event. For more information, visit the Placencia Tourism Center at www.placencia.com.
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Starting July 8, 2009, Maya Island Air will add two new flight schedules, one between Belize City and Guatemala City, the other from Belize City to Cancun. Both flights will provide travelers with an easier and less expensive way to split their vacations among multiple tropical destinations. Prices start at $190 USD one-way and $345 USD round trip. For more information on Maya Island Air flight times and prices, visit www.mayaislandair.com.
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The Green Parrot Beach Houses and Spectarte Gallery will be hosting its first Artist Encounter on Maya Beach in Placencia, from August 8 - 14, 2009. The event offers guests the opportunity to meet with Belizean artists, and together engage in painting and photography. Highlights include a complimentary beach barbeque with Garifuna cultural dancers, informal workshops at the Spectarte Gallery, as well as photographic and cultural tours. Accommodations are available for a low rate of $595 USD for two people to stay at the Green Parrot for the entire encounter, with an additional 10 percent discount on full bar and restaurant services. Photo workshops and tours are just $150 USD per person for three days including lunches. For more information, contact greenparrot@mail.com or spectarte@gmaiil.com.
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Popeye's Beach Resort, which is located along one of Caye Caulker's white sand beaches, is offering a special savings of 20 percent on accommodations, for travel from June through December 12, 2009. Popeyes Beach Resort promises guests a relaxing, memorable stay, with activities such as golf, guided tours, diving, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing. All four suites feature verandas with a seaside view, air conditioning, cable TV and wireless internet. For more information, visit www.popeyesbeachresort.com.
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All media memos, press releases and images of Belize can be accessed from the Belize Tourism Board's media center website, www.belizemediacenter.org. For press trip inquiries and more specific needs, please contact Kate Kohler. ###