Warmest greetings from the Belize Tourism Board

Catchy music, formal parades, colorful carnivals and spectacular fireworks marked the 27^th anniversary of Belize's Independence this September. Countrywide ceremonies and activities provided an opportunity to show the unity amongst our diverse cultures and to celebrate the freedom that we enjoy as a nation.

September saw a slow down in the US economy, culminating in a global financial crisis that will have implications for the travelling public in our major tourism markets. In times of crisis the focus must remain on marketing as history has shown that those who continue to market emerge with a greater market share at the end of the crisis. BTB and private sector marketing initiatives remain in full force with participation in several international trade shows in September and the compilation of private sector specials for promotion in publications, consumer shows and on the Internet in the coming months.

The unprecedented global economic environment calls for us to be creative, cooperative, cohesive and competitive in our approach to ensuring that we reach our markets and ensure that visitors get true value for their hard-earned vacation dollars.

Some thoughts to keep in mind in the coming months
(Excerpted from Dr. Peter Tarlow, Tourism Tidbits – Oct 6. 2008)

• Be realistic; neither panic nor have a sense of false security.
• Be up and be positive.
• Do not let the media get you down.
• Think spiritually. Spiritual tourism tends to boom during difficult political or economic times. Places where historical events have occurred may also become part of your spiritual tourism offering.
• Assess both your tourism and economic strengths and weaknesses.
• Develop an economic security team. Call upon as many experts as possible to develop new ideas and to monitor the situation.
• Think out-of-the-box. Crises are the time to try to figure out ways to do more with less. In turbulent economic times the public seeks substance over glitz. Make sure that you provide tourism essentials such as a tourism oriented safety measures and good customer service.

To assist with our international public relations efforts, we invite you to use our new "What's New With You" contact form to provide feedback on positive developments in your business and your area.

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