Monday, May 20, 2013- On Saturday, May 18th, over two hundred and thirty
guests, including industry stakeholders and government officials, gathered at
Bannister Caye to honor the recipients of the 12th Annual National Tourism
Awards.
Over twelve years ago, the BTB had a vision to recognize
organizations and industry partners for their dedicated and outstanding service
to Belize's tourism industry. The BTB is proud to say that the awards have
certainly evolved from being just a statement of excellence, into a way to
promote creativity and to help establish a benchmark for best practices in the
industry. Director of Tourism, Laura Esquivel-Frampton said, "A heartfelt
congratulations to all the nominees and winners. Your work is a testament to
the hard work and dedication of the entire tourism industry in Belize."
The Belize Tourism Board is pleased to congratulate the winners in the
following categories:
- Destination
of the Year: Placencia- A destination that is proactive in its marketing
initiatives and product enhancement. It also seeks to develop local
tourism businesses for the development of the destination. The Destination
of the Year encourages the local community's participation, promotes
sustainability, executes events that highlight local culture and promotes
tourist attractions.
- Hotel
of the Year: San Ignacio Resort Hotel- A licensed hotel where service
exceeds excellence; where positive attitude and attentiveness of staff are
the norm. The hotel of the year offers exceptional value for money and is
equipped with modern facilities and amenities. Its ambience gives visitors
an authentic Belize 'feel'. This hotel has, over the years, demonstrated
its willingness to adapt to the demands of its patrons, yet remain true to
its core values. One of its hallmarks is the adoption of green
initiatives.
- Small
Hotel of the Year: Singing Sands Inn- A licensed small hotel that captures
the essence of warmth and authenticity through its accommodations. This
property displays commitment to excellence in customer service,
operational standards and is keen on improving and developing its products
and services, including capacity building. Importantly, for this small
hotel of the year, eco-consciousness and sustainability are equally
important to guests' experience.
- Frontline
Person of the Year: Natalie Ranguy of Chabil Mar Villas- A frontline
employee who has great interpersonal skills, welcomes guests with
outstanding Belizean hospitality, is knowledgeable about Belize, and goes
above and beyond the everyday duties and responsibilities to ensure that
guests' needs are fulfilled. This individual makes an impressive first and
last impression of her work place.
- Tour
Guide of the Year: Jerome Williams of Huracan Diving- A licensed tour
guide who is knowledgeable about Belize, including, but not limited to,
the history, natural attractions and local tours. This guide has
excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a positive attitude,
and great planning and leadership abilities. The tour guide ensures that
guests have an unforgettable experience without compromising safety and
security.
- Tour
Operator of the Year: Splash Dive Center- A licensed tour operator that
excels in customer service, creativity, and personalization, while
offering a variety of tours. This tour operator sets the bar for
marketing initiatives, meeting the standards of safety and security,
equipment quality, cleanliness and reliability. This awardee ensures that
visitors have a memorable and enriching experience, therefore, leaving
guests with a great lasting impression of Belize.
- Hospitality
Award: Placencia Tourism Center- A tourism ancillary organization that
offers exceptional customer service, manages the business seamlessly, is
sensitive to the needs of staff, flexible in adapting to change and
accommodating to the industry's needs. Regardless of the availability of
resources, this entity is always looking for innovative ways to promote
Belize through its hospitality services.
- Major
Festival & Event: Placencia Lobster Fest- A hallmark festival/event
that promotes income generating activities, stimulates local and international
travel, attracts national & international media coverage, and
positively promotes the destination.
- Restaurant
of the Year: Maya Beach Bistro- A restaurant that offers more than just
really good food, but an overall dining experience. The restaurant's
ambiance, coupled with a menu of creative concoctions and excellent
customer service, creates its own distinctive character. The use of local
products and importance of food safety and hygiene, sell the Belize brand
from appetizer to dessert.
Minister of Tourism & Culture, Hon. Manuel Heredia,
presented two special awards for the night. The Minister's Award was bestowed
on David Heredia, owner of Anchorage Hotel in Caye Caulker, for his work and
interest in the tourism industry which are grounded in community improvement
and activism. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Jessie Young,
President of the Community Baboon Sanctuary Women's Group in Bermudian Landing,
for dedicating her life to grow and develop Belize's tourism industry. This
awardee's contributions are significant and have positively impacted Belize and
the lives of countless Belizeans. Despite challenges, this tourism industry
lifetime achiever persevered.
Guests, donned in all-white, at the 12th National Tourism
Awards were treated to food by Chef Sean Kuylen, and entertained by Pan
Tempters Steel Pan, Tanya Carter and Aurelio Martinez. The event was hosted by
Indira Craig & William Neal.
The Minister of Tourism & Culture, Board of Directors,
Management & Staff of the Belize Tourism Board salute all winners on their
outstanding achievements!
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