BTB to host 9th Annual National Tourism Awards

Preparations are currently underway for the 9th Annual National Tourism Awards Ceremony to be held in April of this year.

The awards ceremony recognizes and honors organizations and industry partners who have made outstanding contributions to the development of the tourism industry. These include exceptional services, outstanding facilities/products, and the preservation of natural resources, sustainable tourism, cultural heritage, and the ability to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.

The Tourism Awards consists of 14 categories, including the newly added category of Restaurant of the Year. The other categories include Corporate Organization of the Year, Educational Award of the Year, Receptive Service of the Year, Hotel of the Year, Small Hotel of the Year, Tour Operator of the Year, Tour Guide of the Year, Frontline Person of the Year, Cultural Award of the Year, Small Vendor of the Year, Environmental Award of the Year, Minister's Award and Lifetime Achievement Award.

Two categories are being modified this year. The "Environmental Organization of Year" is being modified to include not only members of the NGO community, but all establishments 'going green' or engaged in sustainable tourism practices. The "Corporate Organization of the Year" is being modified to include investors that have shown financial, social, and environmental commitment to Belize.

The Belize Tourism Board welcomes your nomination for the 9th Annual National Awards. To nominate your favorite candidate, cast your vote on www.travelbelize.org/award09.php to ensure that candidates receive the recognition they deserve. Deadline for nominations is March 15th, 2009.