BTB Honors Key Tourism Pioneers at its Eight Annual Tourism Awards Ceremony – On Friday evening, January 25th, some 350 industry stakeholders, distinguished guests and tourism friends gathered to honor recipients of the 8th Annual National Tourism Awards, held at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel.
The National Tourism Awards Ceremony recognizes and honors organizations and industry partners who have made outstanding contributions to the industry. These include exceptional services, outstanding facilities/products, creativity, sound management, the preservation of natural resources and cultural heritage, and the ability to provide visitors with a memorable experience and value for money.
A total of 13 awards were presented in various categories: Hotel of the Year – The Inn at Roberts Grove, Tour Operator of the Year – Joy Tours, Corporate Organization of the Year – Love FM, Tour Guide of the Year – Alex Edwards, Frontline Person of the Year – Mark Bowman, Environmental Organization of the Year – Friends for Conservation and Development, Receptive Service – Fort Street Tourism Village, Small Hotel of the Year – Orchid Palm Inn, Small Vendor of the Year – Face It Production Bambu Me and Educational Award of the Year – Programme for Belize
The Minister’s Award was presented to Mr. Azucena “Chena” Galvez for her foresight, perseverance and dedication to Belize tourism over the many years, while Mr. Lascelle Tillett of S& L Tours received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his unwavering commitment to service and tourism over the past 40 years.
Andy Palacio and Stone Tree Records were awarded the Cultural Award of the Year for their extensive accomplishment in promoting and preserving Belize’s Cultural Heritage. Ivan Duran received the award of behalf of Stone Tree Records. Yasser Musa, President of NICH, paid special tribute to Andy Palacio for his contribution to Belize’s music and culture.
“Tourism has become a way of life for many Belizean people. It is an industry that has seen significant development and received immense recognition,” comments Director of Tourism, Tracy Panton. ”The Annual National Tourism Awards serves to acknowledge our industry personnel who are committed to the growth of tourism in Belize.” Musical Entertainment was provided by the Pantempters Steel Band. Co-hosts for the evening’s event were Ernesto Vasquez and Gwen Nunez Gonzalez. The Belize Tourism Board congratulates all winners on this well-deserved achievement.
