Be Like World, Our History
Be Like World: Sustainable Community Tourism Company History Founded: 2016 Headquarters: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Founder: José Rubio and Susany Lantigua Industry: Sustainable Community Tourism Mission: To empower communities through tourism that promotes cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and meaningful connections between travelers and locals. 2016 - A Vision for Sustainable Tourism: Be Like World was founded in 2016 by José Rubio and Susany Lantigua, both environmentalist. Their idea came from years of witnessing the negative effects of mass tourism on local communities and natural environments. Both believed that tourism could be a powerful force for good if done sustainably, with a focus on benefiting local people rather than exploiting resources. Together, they launched Be Like World, a sustainable tourism company that connects travelers with authentic, community-based experiences while promoting environmental and cultural preservation.
BEGINNING
- 2016 - A Vision for Sustainable Tourism:Be Like World was founded in 2016 by José Rubio and Susany Lantigua, both environmentalist. Their idea came from years o witnessing the negative effects of mass tourism on local communities and natural environments. Both believed that tourism could be a powerful force for good if done sustainably, with a focus on benefiting local people rather than exploiting resources. Together, they launched Be Like World, a sustainable tourism company that connects travelers with authentic, community-based experiences while promoting environmental and cultural preservation.
- 2015-2016 - Grassroots Beginnings in Dominican Republic:In its early days, Be Like World operated small, eco-friendly tours in rural regions of Dominican Republic. The company partnered with local communities in the rural areas to offer travelers immersive experiences such as staying in traditional homes, learning ancient agricultural practices, and participating in local festivals. A core principle of the company was ensuring that a majority of tourism revenue stayed within the communities, directly benefiting locals. By 2016, word spread, and Be Like World became known for providing genuine cultural interactions that respected local customs and minimized environmental impact.
- 2017 - Expansion to Latin America and the “Travel With Purpose” Program:With growing interest in sustainable tourism, Be Like World expanded into other regions of Latin America, including Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. In each location, the company worked closely with communities to develop eco-friendly accommodations and experiences tailored to the region’s unique culture and environment. That same year, Be Like World launched its “Travel With Purpose” program, which offered travelers the opportunity to volunteer in local projects like reforestation, wildlife conservation, and educational support for indigenous children.
GROWTH
- 2018-2019 - Recognition and Partnerships:By 2018, Be Like World had become a recognized leader in sustainable community tourism. They formed partnerships with global environmental organizations and NGOs, working together on projects that addressed climate change and sustainable development. The company’s success attracted media attention, earning them accolades like the Global Responsible Tourism Award. To further their impact, Be Like World began offering educational tours, where travelers not only explored new places but also learned about sustainability practices and local conservation efforts.
- 2020 - Navigating the Pandemic and Supporting Communities:The COVID-19 pandemic brought global travel to a halt in 2020, posing a major challenge for Be Like World. However, the company remained committed to supporting the communities it worked with, many of which relied heavily on tourism income. Be Like World shifted focus to virtual cultural exchanges and remote volunteering opportunities. Additionally, they launched an emergency relief fund to help partner communities navigate the crisis, providing food, medical supplies, and financial support. Despite the obstacles, the company’s dedication to its core values of community empowerment and sustainability never wavered.
2016
2021-2022 - Recovery and the Rise of Regenerative Tourism:As travel began to resume, Be Like World embraced the concept of regenerative tourism—going beyond sustainability to actively improve the places visited. The company launched new initiatives such as rebuilding community infrastructure, creating renewable energy projects, and establishing local biodiversity conservation efforts. In 2022, Be Like World introduced their “Community Co-Ownership” model, where locals became stakeholders in the tourism ventures, ensuring long-term financial benefits and giving them a direct say in how tourism was managed.
Big Saving Shop
2023 - Global Impact and Future Plans:By 2023, Be Like World had expanded beyond Latin America into Africa and Southeast Asia, always focusing on partnering with communities to create responsible tourism models. The company had helped hundreds of families achieve economic stability through tourism while preserving their cultural heritage. Be Like World continued to push for more innovative sustainability practices, including carbon-neutral travel options and initiatives to combat plastic waste.
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Vision for the Future:Looking forward, Be Like World envisions a world where every travel experience leaves a positive footprint, not just for travelers but for the communities and ecosystems they visit. The company aims to expand its impact by creating more community-owned tourism projects, enhancing its environmental efforts, and inspiring a global movement toward responsible and regenerative tourism. Be Like World’s goal is simple: to make the world a better place, one journey at a time.
