Dear Tourism Industry partners

The weather wasn't the only thing generating high temperatures in Belize this August. Stoves and ovens were working overtime as local amateur and professional chefs competed at the 8th Annual Taste of Belize, producing delightful, delectable and some, quite "interesting" food combinations. The event embodied the diversity of Belize attractions and the theme of the September Celebrations, "Diverse Origins, Common Aspirations, Together We Celebrate As Belizeans".

Comments overheard during Taste of Belize and in recent weeks got me to thinking about our current focus in tourism industry.

• "Watching the judges work at Taste of Belize, taught me a lot AND I don't even cook!"
• "I went to a trade show earlier this year and a few months later, I met a family I'd talked to - staying at another resort in Belize. At least they came to Belize"
• "We have to work closer together with the police to ensure the safety of our visitors – even if we feel frustrated at times. More money isn't always the answer."
• "We appreciate the BTB coming to our destination to interact with us. It is expensive and time-consuming for those of us from the districts to make it to Belize City."
• "It seems harder to find skilled people who will commit to the long, unpredictable hours and the seasonal nature of the hospitality industry. Is it me or are we doing less practical training?"

Obviously these are personal opinions and opinions are bound to be varied and contradictory as our diverse and vibrant tourism industry. Stakeholders have a little more time to interact with each other in the preparatory months leading into the high season. I am encouraged by those attempts being made to build and strengthen relationships within the country amongst individuals and across organizational and departmental lines. Some examples of these are:

• BTIA's Crime and Security Meetings,
• BHA's expanded Global Marketing Initiative
• Tourism Scholarships offered locally;
• The Ministry of National Security's initiative to improve departmental cooperation to address Security issues and to partner with the Ministry of Tourism for specific training in managing visitors within the constraints of their security responsibilities.

The importance of building positive relationships with previous and potential visitors is a "no brainer" as is evidenced by the number of tourism businesses experimenting with social networks, targeted mailers, and expanded trade show presence.

Our goal in the next few months will be to strengthen the unity of a single purpose – "expanding our market share in the face of economic belt-tightening. We have a great product to offer our visitors!!!"

We look forward to meeting more of you on your home court in the coming weeks in our effort to continue to build strong alliances in the months ahead. We remind you to

• Be on the lookout for our weekly notices of training and events coming from localtourism@travelbelize.org
• Share "What's New with You" - for Media and Travel Trade partners
• Submit your Travel Deals to be listed on www.travelbelize.org
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

We look forward to your continued feedback via our website, by email, telephone or via a visit to our offices at #64 Regent St. in Belize City. We are here to provide support and assistance in ensuring that we have a viable tourism sector.

With best wishes for an enjoyable September Celebrations!

Tracy Panton
Director of Tourism