Belize participates in the fifth Central American Travel Market in Nicaragua

Belize had the distinct pleasure of attending the fifth annual Central American Travel Market (CATM) held in Managua, Nicaragua from October 10^th - October 12^th, 2008.

Central America Travel Market (CATM) is a professional travel summit where buyers from major outbound markets have the opportunity to build profitable relationships with suppliers presenting new products and destinations for the Central American region. The organizing body for this event (CATA) Central America Tourism Agency, is a tourism promotion organization focused on attracting tourism as well as foreign investment from major European and Asian markets in order to stimulate regional economic growth.

The Belize delegation consisted of twenty- seven representatives including the Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Manuel Heredia, members of the Belize Tourism Board and private sector representatives who all worked tirelessly to showcase the diversity and natural beauty which make Destination Belize - "Mother's Nature Best Kept Secret." More than 460 buyers, suppliers and seventy (70) journalists came together for the exposition and attended over 980 business meetings with the objective of strengthening the region's image and potential for international investment.

Belize had a total of twenty - four booths attracting over 40 wholesalers, press, and buyers from the United States, Argentina, Italy, France, Switzerland, Spain, Canada, United Kingdom, and Germany.

On the first day of the tradeshow, a presentation was done by the Belize Folkloric Dance group from the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) which helped to draw attention to Belize's rich cultural diversity. The event also provided Minister Heredia and the BTB’s marketing director, Mrs. Shakira Oxley-Tsai, the opportunity to meet with members of the international press to reiterate Belize's advantages as a vacation destination.

"This show gave us an excellent opportunity to showcase Belize’s culture, natural beauty and adventure options to international buyers world-wide," commented Minister of Tourism, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. "Belize continues to attract major international outbound operators who wish to expand the products that they offer and this show allowed us to strengthen a mutually-profitable relationship with these wholesalers."

Representing the Belize Tourism Board was the Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Director of Marketing, Mrs. Shakira Oxley-Tsai, Director of Product Development, Ms. Laura Esquivel, and Marketing Officer, Michelle Bowers.

Belize private sector participation included The Lodge at Chaa Creek, The Inn at Roberts Grove, Maya Island Air, The Placencia Resort, Discovery Expeditions, Ramon's Village, Almond Beach Resort, Jaguar Reef Lodge, Placencia Tourism Association, Exotic Beach Resort, Zanel Adventure Tours, Victoria House, Casa Encantada, Belize Hotel Association, Radisson Fort George Hotel, Laru Beya, Best Western Biltmore Plaza, and the Belize Tourism Industry Association.