Belize Tourism Board Celebrates its 11th Annual National Tourism Awards

Will Moreno
6/9/2011

Last night the Belize Tourism Board held its annual gala event, 11th Annual National Tourism Awards which was held at Old Belize. This event recognizes the establishments and people who have worked hard to make Belize such a wonderful tourist destination.

Rolling out the red carpet is a fitting way to recognizing such great talents in the tourism industry which makes tourism what it is today in beautiful Belize. The sweet melodies of the steel pan, being played by the Pantempters, filled the air as the nominees walked the red carpet to get their photos taken while being welcomed by the staff of the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and congratulated on jobs well done throughout the year.

The master of ceremonies for this event was Indira Craig and William Neal who did a wonderful job at keeping the invited guests thoroughly entertained. The event was officially opened by a wonderful rendition of the Belize National Anthem sung by Clive Meyers accompanied by Garifuna Drummers. Ms. Seleni Matus, Director of Tourism then gave the welcome address followed by the Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture who gave the Minister's Address.

While dinner was served the nominees and invited guests were entertained first by a musical jazz interlude by Ms. Tricia Gabourel followed by a wonderful folkloric dance by the Belize Dance Company.

Then came time for the important event that everyone was waiting for. The time to find out who the winners were for the year. The decisive winners who were awarded are as follow:

Small Hotel of the Year:  Table Rock Jungle Lodge from the Cayo District of Belize.

Restaurant of the Year: Maya Beach Hotel Bistro From Placencia in the Stann Creek District of Belize.

Frontline Person of the Year: Althea Sheble of Chabil Mar Villas of Placencia in the Stann Creek District of Belize.

Tourguide of the Year: Inez Ramirez

Tour Operator of the Year: Avadon Divers from Placencia in the Stann Creek District of Belize.

Hotel of the Year: Chaa Creek from the Cayo District of Belize.

Minister's Award: Mr. Romel Gomez owner and proprietor of Ruby's Hotel in San Pedro - Ambergris Caye in Belize.

Then finally it came time to introduce a very important award:
Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Placida Leonora Requena from Punta Gorda Town in the Toledo District of Belize. She is the proud owner of Requena's Charter Services and has been serving the Tourism community for over 35 years.
In her absence her brother, Reynaldo Guerrero and her daughters Estella and Rebekah accepted this award.

Special Recognition Certificates went to:

Coco Plum Island Resort - Recognized as Tripadvisor’s Travelers Choice for Romance in Central & South America.

 Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort  - Recognized as Tripadvisor’s Travelers Choice for Top 10 Hotels with Best Service in the World & Best Service in Central & South America.

Hickatee Cottages - Recognized as Tripadvisor’s Travelers Choice for B&B Inn In Central & South America.

 Las Terrazas Resort - Recognized as Tripadvisor’s Travelers Choice for Luxury In Central & South America.

 The Phoenix Resort  - Recognized as Tripadvisor’s Travelers Choice for Relaxation & Spa In Central & South America & Best Service In Central & South America.

San Pedro - Ambergris Caye - Recognized as Tripadvisor’s Travelers Choice for Top 25 Destinations In Central & South America.

Victoria House - Recognized as Tripadvisor’s Travelers Choice for Romance In Central & South.

Xanadu Island Resort - Recognized as Tripadvisor’s Travelers Choice for Best Service In Central & South America.

Special Recognition Awards for the Fort Street Tourism Zone:

Ruth Smith - President of Hair Braiders Association
Carol Jones - Manager of Giddy Up Horse and Carriage Tours