The Belize Tourism Industry Association recognized Ms. Lydia Villanueva of Lydia's Guesthouse as the Outstanding Woman of the year for Tourism in 2010. She was nominated and received the most votes from the BTIA Board. Ms. Villanueva was presented with her award on March 31 at the Bliss Institute by BTIA President Dr. Dionne Chamberlain-Miranda. For more on Lydia Villanueva, please read her bio below.

BIOGRAPHY
Lydia Villanueva and her late husband, Conrad, established their guesthouse, Lydia's Guesthouse, in 1990 when their sleepy fishing village of Placencia in southern Belize saw an increase in tourism.

She is renowned for her traditional Belizean hospitality. She cares about the quality of each guest's vacation and strives to provide a pleasurable, relaxing, and affordable stay. Villanueva believes in giving her guests good value for their money and offers them clean, comfortable and safe accommodations at the north end of the Placencia sidewalk. She has always sought to improve her property and was a participant in the "Environmental Walk-Through Program" which allowed her guesthouse to conform to the Rainforest Alliance sustainable tourism program.

Over the years, she has played an active role in the growing community that she loves. She was one of the original members of the Placencia Chapter of the BTIA and served as president of the chapter in the early years. She served several terms on the Placencia Village Council, she was a member of the Lion's Auxiliary as a young woman, served on the PTA of St. John's School, served as an officer on the Placencia Water Board, she has been a part of the Rotary Club of Placencia since its founding and is currently President Elect. She has always been involved in tourism and has never turned down her BTIA chapter when it has asked for her assistance in any way.

She is a woman who is not afraid to voice her opinion even when it is not shared by all and is a fierce protector of her community. Her laughter is contagious and she is a prime example of genuine Belizean hospitality.

Lydia Villanueva, the perfect example of what makes tourism great here in Belize. She is BTIA's outstanding woman.

CONGRATUALTIONS MS. LYDIA
FROM THE PLACENCIA BTIA!!!