Dear Tourism Industry partners

September brought the traditional flurry of activity and holidays that are a part of the September celebrations in commemoration of the Battle of St. George's Caye and Belize's Independence. While these holidays are eagerly anticipated by many, some Belizeans got more than they wanted in response to the Ministry of Health's directives in regard to the outbreak of flu-like symptoms in a few locations.

But, there is good news and there are positive signs which help to keep us focused on preparations for the upcoming season.

• In the United States, the message is that the Recession is over and while recovery may be paced, it has started.
• A comparison of our website visitation indicates that there was a significant jump in international website visitors in the last quarter - July, August and September - over the same period last year - 24.84% ; 30% and 45% and our followers of Facebook and Twitter have been increasing rapidly. This may be an indication that potential visitors in our market are actively engaged in researching Belize vacations again!
• Marketing activities and preparations by both the BTB and private sector are more pronounced than ever with attendance at over 7 travel shows in 11 cities and 4 countries are being attended between mid-September and October 2009!
• The participants in the Culinary Training program sponsored by the BTB and OAS and being offered in Belize City in October was finalized at over 20 individuals by September 30th.
• The Belize Media Kit produced by bvk won an award for "Best Direct Mail Single" at the Milwaukee 99 Advertising Show
• The hurricane season has been very quiet (for which we are extremely grateful!)
• Newsweek's Budget Travel online, praised Belize's tagline Mother Nature's Best Kept Secret over many others in the region with, "I'd encourage Central American countries to use Belize's slogan as a model: "Mother Nature's Best-Kept Secret." That's catchy! Who wouldn't want to travel to see that?"

In times when visitors are scarce and money is tight and all around we are struggling to keep things together, it is important to take some time to reflect on the positive actions and occurrences that keep our industry strong.

In the coming weeks and months we will be in your destination for face to face meetings and in the meanwhile we remind you to:

• Be on the lookout for our weekly notices of training and events coming from localtourism@travelbelize.org
• Share "What's New with You" - for Media and Travel Trade partners
• Submit your Travel Deals to be listed on www.travelbelize.org
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and now in our very own BLOG for the local tourism industry
  Going Places with the BTB

We look forward to your continued feedback via our website, by email, telephone or via a visit to our offices at #64 Regent St. in Belize City. We are here to provide support and assistance in ensuring that we have a viable tourism sector.

Warm tourism regards,

Tracy Panton
Director of Tourism