Minister of Tourism Keynote Speaker at the Belize Hotel Association's Christmas Luncheon

Under the auspices of Hon. Manuel Heredia, Jr., Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, members of the Belize Hotel Association and invited guests gathered at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza for the Belize Hotel Association's (BHA), annual Christmas luncheon.

After a brief welcome by Belize Hotel Association's (BHA) President - Mr. Kenrick Theus, Honorable Manuel Heredia spoke on the improvements that the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation have been working on, such as the commencement of work on the Placencia road, the rehabilitation and restructuring of the Northern Highway after recent floods caused by Depression 16, a new loan facility for the development of municipal airstrips throughout Belize, the new BHA European Marketing initiative; and plans to further demonstrate his commitment to BHA's European Marketing Initiative by leading the Belize delegation to London for the "Destinations" trade show in February.

After his address, the Minister was presented with a gift basket from BHA, for his continuous support and determination to build the tourism industry through the strengthening of relations between the public and private sectors. He reiterated that the ultimate goal of improving the industry is for the betterment of the country. Mrs. Tracy Panton, Director of the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) was also presented with a gift basket in recognition of the BTB's continuous support and contribution toward BHA's initiatives.

BHA took the opportunity to thank all those who attended the Christmas luncheon with special thanks to those who helped to make the event successful.

For additional information on the Belize Hotel Association please contact: telephone: 501-223-0669; e-mail: bha@btl.net or visit our website at www.belizehotels.org.