Belize City, Thursday, August 5, 2010... The Belize Tourism Industry Association held its bi-annual event at the Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina. The Mistress of Ceremony, Valerie Woods BTIA Board Secretary opened the ceremony with the singing of the National Anthem. The welcome address was given by BTIA President Dr. Dionne Miranda, who shared key points on the tourism industry. Dr. Miranda expressed that the industry has been experiencing difficult times due to the recession and that today, more than ever, we must work together as an Association to help each other.
                       Dr. Miranda quoted 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. "We need to sharpen our saws in these difficult times to make changes happen," she said. She informed the gathering that tourism operators need to use the tools available like the internet. She remarked that operators need to work on marketing and if there is no marketing team within the establishments, the best person to be responsible for that should be the owner or manager. Tools like the websites must be updated and cohesive with what is being promoted as BELIZE the destination, not just individual businesses.
 
The Bi-Annual report was given in the form of a video presentation. The report highlighted the many achievements of the BTIA over the past six months in the areas of advocacy, administration, governance, revenue generation, training as well as membership and outreach. A report from the BTIA Destination Chapters was as well included.

Mr. Noel Jacobs, Project Director of the Sustainable Tourism Project gave a presentation that highlighted the project's aims in four key areas in Belize- San Ignacio, Placencia, Belize City and San Pedro. The project is set to be completed by the Fall of 2012.

An announcement of the available BTIA Board positions was made and included President, 1st Vice President and 2nd Vice President. The elections for these positions will be carried out at the December 3rd, 2010 AGM. The President Dr. Miranda encouraged members to consider leadership in BTIA and send in nominations.
 
A distribution of awards in a Green Business Competition instituted by the University of Belize and partnered with the BTB, BTIA and BHA. The Lodge at Chaa Creek was awarded first place i this competition with recognition was given to Hamanasi Adventure Resort and Radisson Fort George Hotel.
 
  Certificates and American Heart Association Identification Cards were issued to participants in a recently held CPR and First Aid training course. The training was held in four destinations - San Pedro, Placencia, Corozal and Belize District and facilitated the participation of BTIA members from across the country. The training was conducted by Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT). BTIA next expressed gratitude to sponsors and hosts of BETEX 2010 by distribution Certificates of Appreciation.

The final presentation was made by Mr. Ian Anderson of Caves Branch Jungle Lodge, who spoke about the Belize National Youth Chess Foundation that aims teach the sport to at risk youths in order to help develop valuable life skills and succeed in life. BTIA was asked to consider a membership-wide support to the program.

In keeping with the vote of thanks given by Treasurer of the Belize National Tour Operators Association Denise Ockey, BTIA would like to thank all its sponsors -- BTIA Diamond Sponsor the Atlantic Group of Companies, Radisson Fort George, Belize Bank, Idealabs Studios and all members and operators who made a donation to BTIA and its varied programs and activities.

Finally, BTIA concluded the Summer Staycation Raffle by drawing winning tickets from the pool of raffle stubs. The first place winner was Ms. Karen Lewis of Belize City, 2nd Place went to Mr. Russell Vellos of Amandala Newspaper in Belize City and third place to Ms. Faye Davis of Palm Grove Estate.