Director's Message

From Easter celebrations and mass industry gatherings to no public events at all – April was a rollercoaster!

Industry support for the 9th Annual Tourism Awards on April 22nd and the 11th Annual Industry Presentation were rewarding with both venues packed to capacity.  These occasions presented a welcome opportunity to interact face to face with colleagues in an industry that is spread across the country, to share plans for the next year and to recognize the efforts of private sector partners.

Presenting awards to outstanding local tourism stakeholders gave us all great pleasure as we honored 14 individuals and businesses for their exceptional performance in the past year.  It is our hope that in drawing attention to their accomplishments that colleagues and partners are encouraged to strengthen their performance in the coming year, while young Belizeans become aware of the high standards of service necessary for a successful tourism industry and are motivated to join us.

The Annual Industry Presentation allowed us to share the BTB's year in review, workplan for the coming year and to launch our new website and Belize promotional video.  Clear direction and specific plans were all shared in the remarks by Minister Heredia and CEO Michael Singh's delivery of the Belize's strategic vision for tourism.   Copies of these documents can be accessed from our library on belizetourism.org while the new website and link to the video can be accessed at www.travelbelize.org.

With little warning the occurrence of Influenza A in Mexico and then throughout several countries worldwide put us on high alert as we liaised with Belize's Ministry of Health officials to ensure that we were updated on the preventative actions taken by Belize to avoid and if necessary, contain, the spread of the virus into Belize. Belizeemergency.net was activated with the latest news on this issue and a notice placed on all the BTB websites.  The Annual Taste of Belize was temporarily postponed in keeping with the government's directive to minimize large gatherings and we are pleased that there have been no positive results for the virus in samples sent for testing from Belize.

We urge all stakeholders to continue to adhere to the basic hygienic practices and measures recommended by the local authorities and the World Health Organization.

In the next few weeks we will participate in a Strategic Planning Retreat for the BTB and launch the new Be One with Belize print ad campaign.   The finals for the Annual Social Studies competition will be re-scheduled, as will the Taste of Belize Culinary Competition and we look forward to your presence at both.
As we go move into the traditionally quieter months of our tourist season, we encourage you to continue your marketing and public relations efforts to encourage visitors to Belize.   If you have not already done so, you can submit up to 4 Travel Deals for inclusion in the Travel Deals database on our website. To submit a Travel Deal Click here. These will be also be used for editorial opportunities that present themselves, so please keep your offers updated.

We look forward to hearing from you via the  "What's New with You" on our website, by email, telephone or a visit to our offices at #64 Regent St. in Belize City.

With warm BTB regards,

Tracy Panton
Director of Tourism