Belize Tourism Board hosts its 11th Annual Industry Presentation

The Belize Tourism Board held its 11th Annual Industry Presentation on April 22nd, 2009 in the River Hall at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza.  The theme for this year’s presentation was "Be one in Tourism, Be one with Belize." Attendance at the event was outstanding as over 350 tourism stakeholders and industry partners gathered to attend this annual event and listen to the details of the Belize Tourism Board's commitment of BZ$16.1 million dollars in the development of Belize's tourism industry.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Shannon Stowell, President of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), the largest-professional association for adventure-travel companies and organizations. In 2004, Mr. Stowell revived the ATTA and since then has been organizing Adventure Travel World Summits since 2005. The Summits are attended by more than 500 adventure travel professionals from more than 30 countries coming together to learn, network, and inspire each other, driving the industry forward on issues such as best practices, sustainability, and marketing. ATTA also works actively with industry leaders such as National Geographic Adventure, Men's Journal, Orbitz, Gore-Tex, ExOfficio, Eagle Creek and other travel magazines.

The Welcome Address was delivered by the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Manuel Heredia, Jr. which highlighted his vision for growth and expansion of Belize's tourism industry within the global arena. Other presenters included the Director of Tourism, Mrs. Tracy Panton, who provided a synopsis of the Board's approved Budget and Work Plan for 2009-2010.  Mrs. Panton also outlined the major investments that will be undertaken throughout the year within BTB's four main portfolios: Marketing & Public Relations, Hotels & Product Development, Finance & Administration, and Capital Expenditure.

At the annual Industry Presentation, the Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Mrs. Shakira Tsai, unveiled the new Belize Country Presentation entitled, "Be One With Belize." The presentation portrayed Belize's diversity and rich heritage, bringing together a dream package of a visitor's paradise. In addition, stakeholders also had the opportunity to view on-line, the new visage of the redesign of BTB's travel website: www.travelbelize.org. 

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Mr. Michael Singh, also took the opportunity to present an overview of the Strategic Plan for the Ministry of Tourism and closing remarks were delivered by the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Gaspar Guerrero.

Copies of all presentations as well as the 2009/2010 Work Plan are available on our website at www.belizetourism.org.