Belize City, Wednesday, April 22, 2009 – On Wednesday evening, April 22, a host of industry stakeholders, distinguished guests and tourism friends gathered to honour recipients of the 9th Annual National Tourism Awards held at the Old Belize Bar & Grill.
The National Tourism Awards Ceremony recognizes and honours organizations and industry partners who have made outstanding contributions to the industry. A total of 14 awards were presented in various categories. For their extensive work in promoting and preserving Belize’s cultural heritage through the arts, Althea Sealey and the Belize Dance Company was presented with the Cultural Award of the Year, while Craig Hayes, Ali Flota and Mike Heusner received the Environmental Award of the Year for their work in getting the Catch & Release Legislation passed for the protection of Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon in Belize. The Educational Organization of the Year Award went to The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center for their advocacy in building awareness for conservation and their provision of educational programs scores of Belizean students over several years. BRC Printing of Benque Viejo Del Carmen was bestowed the title of Corporate Organization of the Year for excelling in product and marketing innovativeness, quality of product experience and operational performance. An elated Pamela Roberts of the Radisson Fort George was named Front Line Person of the Year for her over 15 years working the frontline and positively influencing and serving both local and foreign guests to the hotel.
Receptive Service of the Year went to Placencia Tourism Center for their consistent quality services to the tourism industry, while Eworth Garbutt of the Inn at Roberts Grove took home the Tour Guide of the Year Award for his dedication and commitment to sustainable tour guide practices and excellence in service. SEAduced by Belize of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye was awarded Tour Operator of the Year for their dedication in providing a variety of quality water-based tours for the industry. The quaint establishment of Sun Creek Lodge in Punta Gorda was awarded Small Hotel of the Year for its personalized service and an authentic Belizean experience. Hotel of the Year went to Hamansi Dive & Adventure Resort, for setting international standards and expectations and for creating an atmosphere of paradise and luxury as well as a strong commitment to their local community. Small Vendor of the Year went to Lola’s Art in Seine Beight for offering quality and locally made art. For the first time, a Restaurant of the Year Award was introduced. The recipient of this award was Hidden Treasures of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
The Minister’s Award is presented to someone whose work and interest in the tourism industry is grounded in community service and activism. This awardee is usually not boastful or arrogant about achievements but continues working below the radar as a stellar player within the tourism industry of the local community. The year’s recipient was Ms. Rosita May, hotelier and tourism pioneer of the Corozal district.Â
As name suggests, the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award has worked an entire lifetime within the tourism industry. This person is seen as a tourism icon and whose work over the years is synonymous with true Belizean hospitality. Ms. Elvira Staine of Elvis Kitchen is San Pedro is the proud recipient of this prestigious award.
“Tourism has become a way of life for many of our Belizean people. It is an industry that has seen much development and received colossal recognition,” comments Tourism Minister, Manuel Heredia Jr. “The Annual National Tourism Awards serves to acknowledge our industry personnel who are dedicated to the development of tourism in Belize over the years. Tourism is the only industry that spreads so far into our communities making each of us a part of the extraordinary experience that we call Belize.”
The BTB hosted approximately 350 people at the Award Ceremony. Musical Entertainment was provided by Jacklyn Castillo and Belize Music Agency Jazz Band. MC’s for the night’s event were William Neal and Gwen Nunez Gonzalez.
The Minister of Tourism, Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the Belize Tourism Board salute all winners on their OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS!
