Local Media Discovers Adventure In Their Own Backyard: Toledo

The Belize Tourism Board hosted a two-day media familiarization trip to Toledo in southern Belize, on July 18th and 19th, 2009 in order to share one of Belize's popular destinations with the domestic tourism market.

The group that participated in the local familiarization trip included local newspapers, television and radio stations.The first part of their trip took them on a tour of the Cacao Trail where they saw first- hand the process for making the cacao drink.After the Cacao Trail, they toured the ancient Maya site of Lubaantun and hiked to the Blue Creek Cave where they cooled off after a long hot day in the refreshing pools.

The second part of their trip took them on a boat ride through the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea to Snake Caye.There, they engaged in a half day snorkeling tour and a BBQ lunch where they interacted with one another.They ended their day with several property inspections in Punta Gorda.

Participating local media included the Guardian Newspaper, Ambergris Today, Channel 7, Channel 5, Love FM, Placencia Breeze, Wave Radio, San Pedro Sun, and Amandala Press.Representing the Belize Tourism Board were Lorraine Herrera, Product Development Officer and Kenisha Stephen, Hotel Inspector.

Private sector members that contributed to the success of the local familiarization trip included Discovery Expeditions, Sun Creek Lodge, The Lodge at Big Falls, Coleman's Café, Garbutt's Marine, Beya Suites, Hickatee Cottages, Coral House, Marian's Bay View, and Maya Island Air.