San Pedro had two reasons to celebrate Saturday night as Elvi’s Kitchen was named Restaurant of the Year and Caribeville took home Hotel of the Year at the 2026 Belize National Tourism Awards. The two businesses were the only winners from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, earning national recognition for the island in two of the industry’s major categories.
The tourism awards ceremony took place on Saturday, November 14, at the Lord Ashcroft Conference Centre at the Fort George Hotel and Spa in Belize City. The annual awards honored the Belizean individuals, businesses and organizations whose work shapes what visitors experience across the country, from the guides who show them around to the teams who welcome them at restaurants and hotels.
Tourism Awards for San Pedro
Elvi’s Kitchen Named Restaurant of the Year
For San Pedro, seeing Elvi’s Kitchen take home Restaurant of the Year was a proud moment. The award puts a national spotlight on a familiar name in island dining and on the people behind it, from the kitchen crew preparing each meal to the staff welcoming guests at the table. It’s a win that gives San Pedro one more reason to celebrate the food and hospitality it shares with visitors every day.
Caribeville Takes Home Hotel of the Year
Caribeville brought home San Pedro’s second award of the evening, earning the title of Hotel of the Year. The recognition belongs to the team whose work shapes a guest’s stay, from the first welcome to the day they head home. With Caribeville’s win, both of San Pedro’s awards went to businesses that help visitors feel at home on Ambergris Caye.
Award Winners
Frontline Tourism Professional of the Year – Erika Uk
Tour Guide of the Year – Pedro Saki
Wellness Experience of the Year – Purple Passion Wellness Spa
Cultural Experience of the Year – Upe Nai
Local Eatery of the Year – Carms Restaurant and Bakery
Restaurant of the Year – Elvi’s Kitchen
Sustainable Tourism Champion of the Year – Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort
Site of the Year – The Belize Zoo
Small Accommodation of the Year – Royal Belize
Tour Operator of the Year – Taste Belize
Hotel of the Year – Caribeville
Minister’s Award – Thomas Greenwood Sr.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Hon. Valerie Woods
Lifetime Achievement Award – Hon. Valerie Woods
Hon. Valerie Woods is honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of service to Belize’s tourism industry. Throughout her career, she has held various roles across the public and private sectors and has influenced many of the individuals working in the industry today. Her passion for conservation and tourism has also made her a strong advocate for the important connection between environmental protection and eco-tourism. This award pays tribute to an individual whose years of dedication and contributions have helped shape Belize’s tourism industry and whose legacy will continue to inspire those who carry it forward.
Minister’s Award – Thomas Greenwood Sr.
Thomas Greenwood Sr. is the recipient of this year’s Minister’s Award in recognition of years of service and pioneering contributions to Belize’s tourism industry. From his early involvement in cruise tourism to his role in developing eco-tourism experiences at Nohoch Che’en, and much more, his entrepreneurial vision helped open new avenues for visitors to experience Belize. This award honors an individual whose contributions have helped advance Belize’s tourism industry and positively impacted the people and communities connected to it.
Hotel of the Year – Caribeville
Caribeville earns the title of Hotel of the Year for its outstanding hospitality and ability to make every guest’s stay a special one. From their friendly staff and comfortable surroundings to the care and attention given to every detail, Caribeville continues to create wonderful stays for visitors to Belize. This award celebrates hotels and resorts that deliver an exceptional guest experience, giving visitors a reason to return.
Tour Operator of the Year – Taste Belize
Taste Belize has been recognized for offering visitors engaging ways to experience and explore Belize. With well-organized tours, knowledgeable guides, and a strong commitment to guest safety, they help make every adventure a great experience. This award celebrates tour operators who take pride in showcasing Belize and ensuring that every journey is thoughtfully planned and memorable.
Small Accommodation of the Year – Royal Belize
Royal Belize has been recognized for its cozy setting and personal touches that make guests feel right at home. With attention to detail and thoughtful service, it offers visitors a comfortable and enjoyable stay, making their time there all the more special. This award recognizes accommodations with fewer than 10 rooms that take pride in creating a welcoming experience for every guest.
Site of the Year – The Belize Zoo
The Belize Zoo has been recognized for offering visitors a special opportunity to experience more of what Belize has to offer. Through its contribution to the visitor experience and the care taken to maintain the zoo, it continues to hold a special place among the many places worth exploring across our country. This award celebrates the sites that showcase the many things that make Belize special, from its natural appeal to its historical and cultural significance.
Sustainable Tourism Champion of the Year – Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort
Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort has been recognized for their continued efforts to make tourism more sustainable through practices that protect Belize’s natural assets while supporting local communities. Their commitment shows how tourism can make a positive difference while helping protect what makes Belize so special. This award celebrates those who are making a real difference through responsible tourism and helping ensure that Belize’s beauty and resources can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Tour Guide of the Year – Pedro Saki
Congratulations to Pedro Saki, our Tour Guide of the Year! With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for sharing Belize with visitors, Pedro makes every tour an unforgettable experience. Through engaging storytelling and a genuine dedication to showcasing Belize, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the people, places, and experiences that make our destination unique. This award recognizes tour guides who go the extra mile to share the best of Belize and make every visitor’s experience truly special.
Restaurant of the Year – Elvi’s Kitchen
Elvi’s Kitchen has been recognized for its dedication to serving great food and creating an enjoyable dining experience for every guest. From the quality of its dishes to its attentive service and welcoming atmosphere, every detail helps make dining here a special experience. This award recognizes restaurants that go above and beyond to give guests a dining experience worth coming back for.
Local Eatery of the Year – Carms Home Baking and Cooking
Carms Home Baking and Cooking has been recognized for serving up great food and making guests feel right at home. This local eatery has become a special part of its community and a place where visitors can enjoy a true taste of Belize. This award celebrates the small, locally-owned eateries that bring people together through good food, traditional flavors, and the Belizean hospitality we all share with our visitors.
Cultural Experience of the Year – Upe Nai
Upe Nai has been recognized for sharing Belize’s culture and traditions with visitors in a way that brings our heritage to life. They create opportunities for visitors to learn about Belize’s history while building meaningful connections with local communities. This award celebrates those who work hard to safeguarding our heritage while sharing stories of our history with visitors.
Wellness Experience of the Year – Purple Passion Wellness Spa
Purple Passion Wellness Spa has been recognized for providing wellness experiences that allow visitors to slow down, relax, and take time for themselves. Through quality services and a serene environment, Purple Passion Wellness Spa creates opportunities for guests to reconnect with themselves and enjoy a sense of peace and well-being. This award recognizes wellness experiences that help visitors feel refreshed and cared for during their time in Belize.
Frontline Tourism Professional of the Year – Erika Uk
Erika Uk has been recognized as Frontline Tourism Professional of the Year for her commitment to exceptional service and guest satisfaction. With a welcoming approach and genuine care for every guest, Erika helps create memorable experiences that reflect the warmth of Belizean hospitality. This award recognizes the hardworking individuals who go above and beyond. Erika is a fitting example of outstanding service.
Congratulations to all winners!
