Belize Showcased at The Adventures In Travel Expo

Belize had a distinct presence in Washington, DC on February 21^st - 22^nd, 2009 at the Adventures in Travel Expo, one of the world's largest series of travel events serving active and adventure travel.

Entering its fifth year, Adventures in Travel Expo (ATE), attracted over 12,000 qualified consumers and over 500 agents. The show offers marketing opportunities for destinations and private sector businesses to showcase their destination and distinctive features to consumers seeking unique and authentic travel experiences.

Attendees got a chance to discover thousands of trips from exotic nature and culture to luxury beach escapes. Various adventure simulations were set up to provide consumers with a chance to try out their vacations activities. These included a pool where attendees got the chance to scuba dive or kayak, a rock climbing wall and a zip-lining tour equipped to provide on the spot tours.

Featured seminars by adventure writers and photographers include presentations by Samantha Brown, a popular host on Travel Channel, Tom Clynes contributing editor and photographer of National Geographic Adventure, and Beth Whitman, editor, founder, and author of Wanderlust and Lipstick.

The Belize Tourism Board audience-tested the new Belize country video to a packed theater which organizers confirmed was the best-attended destination presentation of the show. The video showcases Belize's natural attractions inviting viewers to Be One with Belize and taking a vacation in the Caribbean gateway to Central America - Belize!

Private sector representatives included Tropic Air, Belize Vacation Partners, Hugh Parkey's Belize Adventure, Pelican Beach Resorts, Belize - Sea & Explore, Mayan Princess Hotel, Windy Hill Lodge, Tranquility Bay Lodge, and Amigos del Mar Dive Center. Representing the Belize Tourism Board were marketing officers, Lorena Martinez and Althea Sebastian.