San Pedro may have had several nominees at this year’s Belize National Tourism Awards, but only one island representative walked away with a national title, and what a well-deserved win it was.
Eric Mendez of Alaia Belize proudly claimed the award for Frontline Person of the Year, making San Pedro beam with pride as he stood among Belize’s best in hospitality. This award honors individuals whose warmth, professionalism, and unwavering dedication set the standard for guest experiences, and Eric embodies all of it.
Calm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, Eric has become a familiar comfort to visitors at Alaia Belize. He’s the kind of hospitality hero who makes travelers feel at home the moment he greets them. His ability to elevate each guest’s stay through thoughtful service makes him a standout not only for Alaia, but for Belize’s tourism industry at large.
Congratulations, Eric! Your win is a win for San Pedro, proving once again that Ambergris Caye continues to produce some of the finest tourism professionals in the country.
A Night of National Excellence, Tourism Awards
The 2025 National Tourism Awards Gala celebrated the people and places that shape Belize’s reputation as a world-class destination. From tour guides and hoteliers to cultural ambassadors and eco-leaders, the gala honored the passion that fuels Belize’s growing tourism sector.
The Belize Tourism Board shared a heartfelt message:
“To all stakeholders, nominees, teams, communities, and champions across Belize, thank you for your dedication to strengthening our tourism industry and showcasing Belize’s beauty to the world.”
This year’s national winners included:
- Tour Guide of the Year: Elvin Torres
- Frontline Person of the Year: Eric Mendez
- Tour Operator of the Year: Barefoot Services
- Restaurant of the Year: Slate & Sap
- Green Champion of the Year: Copal Tree Lodge
- Health & Wellness of the Year: Naia Spa
- Small Accommodation of the Year: Caribbean Beach Cabanas
- Cultural Experience of the Year: Palmento Grove Eco Cultural & Fishing Institute
- Site of the Year: Elijio Panti National Park
- Hotel of the Year: Copal Tree Lodge
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Francis Ford Coppola
- Minister’s Award: Stanley Longsworth Sr.
Belize continues to rise in global tourism, recording 562,405 overnight visitors in 2024, a historic high and a 21% increase over the previous year. Belize was also honored as the World’s Leading Sustainable Destination, following its hosting of the inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards.
San Pedro, Stand Proud
While only one island nominee took home a national tourism award this year, the achievement speaks volumes. San Pedro remains the beating heart of Belize tourism, a place where dedication, passion, and warm Belizean hospitality shine through every day. And with leaders like Eric Mendez representing the island on the national stage, the future remains bright for La Isla Bonita.
