BTB Honors Tourism Pioneers at its 9th Annual National Tourism Awards

A host of industry stakeholders, distinguished guests, and tourism friends gathered at the Jungle Pavilion of Old Belize Bar & Grill on the evening of Wednesday April 22nd, 2009, to honor recipients of the 9th Annual Tourism Awards.

The National Tourism Awards Ceremony honored organizations and industry partners whose performance characterized distinction and comprehensive industriousness.  These included exceptional services, outstanding facilities/products, creativity, sound management, the preservation of natural resources and cultural heritage, and the ability to provide visitors with a memorable experience and value for money.

A total of 14 awards were presented within the following categories: 

• Pamela Roberts of the Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina was named Front Line Person of the Year for her hard work and dedication of over 15 years working with frontline and positively influencing and serving both local and foreign guests to the hotel. 
• Receptive Service of the Year went to the Placencia Tourism Center for their offering outstanding facilities and amenities and the ability to provide visitors with information and a true sample of the Belize brand. 

• Eworth Garbutt of the Inn at Robert’s Grove received the Tour Guide of the Year Award for his dedication, commitment and ability to mesmerize an audience with excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a positive attitude.

• SEAduced by Belize located in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, was awarded the Tour Operator of the Year Award for their dedication in providing a variety of quality water-based tours that excel in service, marketing, creativity, uniqueness, safety and value for money. 

• Hotel of the Year went to Hamanasi Dive & Adventure Resort for setting outstanding international standards and expectation as well as creating an atmosphere of paradise and luxury with a strong commitment to their local community. 
• Sun Creek Lodge located in Punta Gorda was honored as Small Hotel of the Year as their establishment captured the essence of warmth and homeliness with excellent personalized services with an authentic Belizean experience.

• Small Vendor of the Year was awarded to Lola's Art in Seine Beight for having the ability to offer creative and locally quality-made art with exceptional service.

• BRC Printing of Benque Viejo del Carmen was given the title of Corporate Organization of the Year for excelling in product and marketing innovativeness, quality of service and product experience as well as outstanding operational performance. 

• Althea Sealey and the Belize Dance Company were presented with the Cultural Award of the Year for their extensive work in promoting and preserving Belize's cultural heritage through the arts of dancing. 

• The Educational Organization of the Year Award went to the Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center for providing insight on the significance of tourism to Belize's economy and for their advocacy in building awareness for conservation and provision of educational programs scores of Belizean students over the years.

• Craig Hayes, Ali Flota, and Michael Heusner received the Environmental Award of the Year for their hard work in getting the Catch & Release Legislation passed for the protection of Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon in Belize. 
• The Restaurant of the Year Award, which was given for the first time, was received by Hidden Treasures of San Pedro for offering a dining experience with a bliss ambiance and exceptional service.

 The final award given at the ceremony was the Minister's Award. The proud recipient of this award was Ms. Rosita May for her distinguished services and contributions in the tourism industry of the local community.

For photos of the winners visit our online office at www.belizetourism.org