“Without a doubt, the terms ‘busy’ and ‘active’ describe the state that our tourism industry has been in lately, and in particular here at BTB,” commented Seleni Matus, Director of the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) in a recent release. “With everything from the recent Cacao Festival to more targeted travel trade outreach in North America, there is no question in my mind that this will lead to growing visitor numbers and more destination awareness about Belize,” she continued.
The release to tourism partners throughout Belize also mentioned that as part of BTB’s reorganization to deliver increased tourism growth for our industry stakeholders, it is also essential for partners in the private sector to have a more influential role in helping BTB to plan the way forward.
This also includes recognizing the pivotal role that the private sector plays in the national tourism development and marketing efforts. It is on that premise that Seleni Matus is happy to report that the BTB has re-launched the Marketing Advisory Committee (MAC) as an important vehicle for Belize tourism industry’s private sector to have direct input in shaping the BTB’s marketing program.
Comprised of members of the Belize Tourism Industry Association, Belize Hotels Association, Belize National Tour Operators Association, and representatives from each major geographic region of our country, the MAC provides the Marketing Sub Committee (MSC) of the BTB Board of Directors with input and feedback to help guide MSC decision making on marketing action plan, as well as other marketing initiatives.
Made up of ten private sector representatives, and four members of the BTB’s Technical Team, the members of the MAC are recommended by the MSC, with the final appointment from the Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture, Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr. The new MAC will be chaired by Ms. Ali Flota.
“I look forward to continuing to work with you on the success of our new marketing and promotional efforts for the country, as well as to increasing our capacity building to strengthen our tourism quality and other important initiatives,” conclude Seleni Matus.