We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Viena Fromm. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Viena below.
Hi Viena, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding my purpose was a journey that fused my personal passion for travel and adventure with my professional drive for entrepreneurship and creating new business aspirations. Growing up, I was always captivated by the beauty and diversity of our nature, especially in the Mesoamerican region where I am from. Traveling to different places, immersing myself in various cultures, and witnessing the stunning landscapes left a profound impact on me since I was a child. However, I also saw the negative effects of tourism on society and the environment in many places. This realization sparked a deep desire to make a positive difference in the world and start a regenerative travel company to help destinations develop sustainably & regenerate ecosystems through this industry by disrupting the way we offer our products and services, doing it in a more conscious and intentional way with the help of local providers that are aligned with our mission & purpose.
Since I was young, I knew I wanted to create travel experiences that were not only enjoyable but also sustainable and regenerative, hoping to create job opportunities for local ethnic and indigenous communities and underprivileged young people that are forced to enter gangs due to lack of opportunities. My purpose became clear: to promote responsible tourism that supports local communities, promotes education, preserves natural environments, and fosters cultural exchange. This vision led to the birth of Belú Travel.
At Belú Travel, we are committed to creating travel experiences that align with these values. We work closely with local partners to ensure that our tours benefit the communities we visit, and we strive to revert our environmental footprint through a carbon compensation program, environmental cleaning and reforestation activities. By promoting sustainable practices, creating decent job opportunities for locals, investing in educational programs and raising awareness among travelers, we aim to make a positive impact on the world.
Ultimately, my purpose is driven by a passion for exploration, travel, adventure and a commitment to serving people and enforcing sustainability. Through Belú Travel, I hope to inspire others to explore the world responsibly, have a deep personal transformation through each experience and to appreciate the beauty and diversity that the world offers in a more conscious way. With Belú Travel, your investment in yourself (because I believe traveling is an investment) is also an investment on the destinations you visit. In other words, by improving yourself, you are also improving the destination.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At Belú Travel, we specialize in creating unique, bespoke, sustainable, philanthropic and regenerative travel experiences. Our mission is to transform the way people see and engage with the world by promoting responsible tourism that supports local communities, preserves & restores natural environments, and fosters meaningful & authentic cultural exchanges.
What sets Belú Travel apart is our deep commitment to sustainability, local communities, the development of education programs for self-employment in the industry that serve these communities and our innovative approach to Travel Coaching. We carefully design our tours to ensure they have a positive impact on the places we visit and that we create great job opportunities for locals. This means working closely with local partners, communities, governments, NGOs, highlighting & protecting cultural heritage, and implementing eco-friendly practices throughout our operations. Our travelers can explore breathtaking destinations while knowing their journey contributes to the well-being of the local community and the preservation of the environment.
We also work with industry leaders in holistic areas, personal development, and more to provide our travelers with enriching experiences that go beyond traditional tourism and help them enjoy a deep personal transformation that will improve their life. Our travelers can explore breathtaking destinations that will infuse them with good energy while knowing their journey contributes to a positive transformation of the destination itself.
One of the most exciting aspects of Belú Travel is our focus on immersive and authentic experiences. We believe that the best way to truly understand a place is to engage with its people, traditions, and natural beauty in an authentic way. From community-based tourism initiatives to nature conservation projects and philanthropic visits, our tours offer opportunities for travelers to connect in a more deep and meaningful way with the people and communities in the destinations they visit. Our Travel Coaching programs further enhance this connection by integrating elements of personal growth and holistic well-being into the travel experience.
Currently, we are thrilled to announce the launch of several new tours that highlight lesser-known but incredibly beautiful regions. These include eco-adventures in pristine natural settings, cultural immersions in remote villages, and partnerships with local artisans and conservationists. Each tour is designed to offer a unique and enriching experience, while also supporting sustainable development & philanthropic missions in these areas.
In addition to our new tours, we are expanding our educational initiatives. We believe that awareness and education are key to promoting sustainable travel. We offer workshops and resources for travelers to learn about the importance of responsible tourism and how they can make a positive impact during their journeys. Our Travel Coaching sessions, led by experts in the travel industry, holistic practices and personal development, provide travelers with tools and insights to enhance their travel experiences and personal lives.
Belú Travel is more than just a travel company; it’s a movement towards a more impactful, conscious and respectful way of exploring the world. We invite everyone to join us on this journey, to discover the beauty of our planet while contributing to its preservation. Whether you’re an avid traveler, a sustainability advocate, or someone looking for a meaningful adventure, Belú Travel offers something special for everyone.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey as the Founder & CEO of Belú Travel, three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge stand out as particularly impactful: passion for helping others & making a difference in the world, effective communication & networking, and having a strong cultural awareness.
Passion for helping others & making a difference in the world: My unwavering commitment to helping local indigenous communities and ethnic groups in Mesoamerica has been a driving force behind Belú Travel. Understanding the principles of regenerative travel and the importance of preserving natural and cultural resources has guided our company’s mission and operations. For those early in their journey, I recommend immersing yourself in the study of sustainability practices and staying informed about the latest developments in the field. Attend workshops, read extensively, and engage with impact driven and sustainability-focused communities to deepen your knowledge and fuel your passion.
Effective Communication & Networking: Building a successful company requires the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including local partners, customers, and team members. Strong communication skills have allowed me to convey our vision clearly, foster meaningful relationships, grow our community and resolve many challenges efficiently. The journey is not easy, there are always setbacks and challenges but when you have developed good communication skills and a strong network, it is easier to overcome them. To develop this skill, practice active listening above all, seek feedback, and continuously work on improving both your written and verbal communication abilities. Joining public speaking groups, journaling & creative writing retreats or taking courses can also be highly beneficial.
Cultural Awareness: In the travel industry, understanding and respecting different cultures is crucial. Cultural awareness has enabled me to create authentic and respectful travel experiences that honor the traditions and values of the communities we visit & support. For those starting out, I suggest traveling as much as possible and engaging deeply with different cultures, learning from them and respecting them. Learn new languages, participate in cultural exchange programs, and always approach new experiences with an open mind and a respectful attitude.
Advice for Early Journeyers:
Cultivate Passion: Identify what truly drives you and align your career goals with that passion. Normally, this passion is connected to your life purpose. Passion will inspire you, sustain you through challenges and inspire others to join your mission so that you can achieve your purpose.
Invest in Learning: Continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow. Whether through formal education, workshops, or self-study, expanding your knowledge base is essential. Now education is more accessible than it was ever before. And remember to share your knowledge with other people to make a positive impact for others.
Build Relationships: Networking and building relationships with like-minded individuals can open doors and provide valuable support. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and seek mentors & coaches who can guide you.
Embracing these qualities and skills has been instrumental in my journey with Belú Travel, and I believe they can provide a strong foundation for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in their field.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling a sense of adventure and a deep appreciation for nature, culture and moral values from a very young age. They were incredibly adventurous and would take us on amazing exploration trips to visit natural reserves, beaches, coffee plantations, lakes, waterfalls, and more. Almost every weekend, we would embark on new adventures, exploring the beauty and diversity of our surroundings and appreciating natural treasure troves.
These experiences were more than just family outings; they were formative journeys that shaped my understanding of the world and my place in it. The countless road trips through Central America, filled with stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences, left an indelible mark on my memory. I still vividly recall the sense of wonder and excitement I felt as we discovered new places and connected with nature in its purest forms and visited different indigenous or ethnic communities where we would eat their typical food, listen to their music and learn from their customs & traditions.
These adventures taught me the value of exploration, the importance of preserving our natural environment, and the joy of experiencing the richness of different cultures. They fueled my passion for travel and sustainability, ultimately leading me to create Belú Travel. My parents’ love for adventure, sharing memorable experiences with us and their commitment to having a positive impact in the world have been foundational to my personal and professional journey.
For anyone looking to inspire their children or instill a lifelong passion for exploration, I highly recommend investing in intentional travel experiences, embracing adventure and making time to connect with nature in a respectful and meaningful way. The memories and lessons from these experiences are invaluable and can shape a person’s perspective and purpose in profound ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.belu.travel
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belutravel.go
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belutravel.go
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/belu-travel
- Twitter: https://x.com/VienaFromm
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeluTravel.LuxuryTravelAgency
- Other: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/belu.travel
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