Greetings

November is the month for Thanksgiving in the United States, Belize's largest tourism market and it is also the time that quietly heralds the start of Belize's tourism season. In Belize, November brings our own reasons for giving thanks including a celebration of our rich cultural diversity. During the month of November we celebrated the 176^th Anniversary of the arrival of the Garifuna people to Belize with activities culminating in re-enactments of the arrival of the Garifuna people on the southern shores of the country.

With the uncertainty in the current global economic climate, it is important to remember the many assets we have to be thankful for and to focus on activities that will strengthen the tourism industry and ensure a united front for our presence in world markets. We congratulate the new Boards of Directors for the Belize Tourism Industry Association, under the presidency of Dionne Miranda and the Belize Hotel Association, headed by Kenrick Theus. Our sincerest appreciation and recognition go to the outgoing BTIA President, Mrs. Rosella Zabaneh who has held the helm at the BTIA for the past two years and has been an active voice and participant for all tourism private sector associations as a member of the BTB's Board of Directors.

The energy and enthusiasm of the private sector in new marketing initiatives in Europe is exciting and necessary to broaden our reach in emerging tourism markets. We look forward to a simultaneous strengthening of promotional efforts in existing markets of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America. Despite the economic downturn, people are still traveling; however, there are less people doing so and all vacation destinations are strongly competing for this smaller pool of travelers. The diversity of our natural attractions and the welcoming warmth of the English-speaking Belizean people coupled with our proximity to North America can give us some advantage if we promote a common message and consistently strengthen our relationships with consumers, the media and our travel trade partners.

We are excited about the ongoing product development initiatives including the paving of the Placencia road and the artery from the Dangriga airstrip to the southern Highway; the approval of the IDB-funded Sustainable Tourism Development Project and the numerous training opportunities that are coming online with the support of the OAS. The high quality of our tourism product and genuine Belizean hospitality must be evident when our visitors come to our shores for they too face uncertainty in their lives and are looking for a getaway that provides value for money and a renewal of spirit.

You have our continued support, encouragement and commitment as we work together this season. We strongly encourage you to maintain an open dialogue with the team at the Belize Tourism Board whether to discuss tourism-related issues, in your business or local destination; or, to share new products, services or promotional offers that we can pass on to media and travel trade partners.

Please click here to share new business developments and offers with the press and travel trade.

Other news and feedback are always welcome via the contact form on BTB's online office at Belizetourism.org; email, telephone or in person at our offices at # 64 Regent St. in Belize City.

Yours in friendship,
Tracy Panton
Director of Tourism