The recent convening of the San Pedro Tourism Awards by the San Pedro Town Council is indeed a commendable initiative, mirroring their unique approach to the National Tourism Awards. This occasion allowed for the acknowledgment and commendation of businesses and individuals contributing to the tourism sector on Ambergris Caye. The second annual San Pedro Tourism Awards transpired at El Patio Restaurant on Saturday, November 25, 2023.
Given San Pedro’s status as the premier tourist destination in Belize, it is noteworthy that numerous businesses often go without due recognition. Notably, the nominees of the National Tourism Awards tend to comprise larger and more established entities.
This year, the Town Council augmented the recognition spectrum by introducing four additional categories: Front Office Person of the Year, Bartender of the Year, Dive Shop of the Year, and Local Eatery of the Year. This deliberate expansion aimed to incorporate the contributions of smaller enterprises in the nomination process.
One cannot help but appreciate establishments like Brianna’s Deli, known for its delightful beef soup, Neri’s Tacos offering endless tacos, and Norma’s Deli, famed for its pig tails with split peas. These establishments, characterized as ‘mom and pop’ restaurants, have endeared themselves to locals, becoming favorites alongside their more prominent counterparts.
This year witnessed a total of 27 nominees across nine categories, with an open online voting system accessible to the public. Additional awards given out during the evening were the Lifetime Achievement Award and five Pioneers in the Hospitality Industry Awards: Without further ado, the distinguished winners are as follows:
Hotel of the Year
Caribeville Sunset & Grand Caribe (Winner)
Alaia Autograph Collection
Xanadu Island Resort
Small Hotel of the Year
Caye Casa (Winner)
Seven Seas Resort
Playa de Sala
Front Office Person of the Year
Abigail Najarro (Victoria House) – Winner
Tristan Delgado (Pelican Reef Resort)
Adrian Gongora (Seven Seas Resort)
Bartender of the Year
Joseph Pate (Nauti Crab) – Winner
Jovanie Rowland (Sandy Toes)
Gizelle Cantun (Victoria House)
Restaurant of the Year
Elvi’s Kitchen (Winner)
Rain Restaurant
Caramba Restaurant
Local Eatery of the Year
Neri’s Tacos(Winner)
Brianna’s Deli
Norma’s Deli
Tour Guide of the Year
Juan Coc (White Sands Dive Shop) – Winner
Leslie Acosta (Elite Adventures)
Venancio Tillett (Scuba School Dive Center)
Tour Operator of the Year
Island Dream Tours (Winner)
Scuba School Dive Center
Tuff E Nuff Tours
Dive Shop of the Year
Chuck & Robbie’s Dive Shop (Winner)
Amigos del Mar Dive Shop
Belize Pro Dive Center
Lifetime Achievement Award
Ms. Julia Edwards of Sunbreeze Hotel & Sunbreeze Suites for her dedication as general manager for 27 years
Pioneers in the Hospitality Industry Recognitions:
First Hotel: Holiday Hotel
First Restaurant: Elvi’s Kitchen
First Dive Shop: Coral Beach Dive Shop
First Miss San Pedro: Ms. Leni Alamilla
First Mayor: Gilberto ‘Chico’ Gomez
Heartfelt congratulations to all the winners/awardees and nominees for their outstanding contributions to making San Pedro a distinguished tourism hub!
