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Belize Tourism Board
Industry Update
July 2009
Greetings From the Director Of Tourism,
With some indications of positive movement in the global economy, the tourism industry's efforts in process bode well for the coming season. Rejuvenated spirits; facilities that have been upgraded, renovated and "freshened up"; personnel that have been the benefit of additional training and exposure and innovative new marketing and public relations actions – these are just a few of the activities and plans for the months between July and November.
Visitors have testified repeatedly that Belize's tourism stakeholders have a natural hospitality that is evident in their communication with visitors as well as in the services that are provided. Many in the industry will confirm that their involvement in the industry began with their love of meeting and interacting with people. Our ongoing challenge is to ensure that our product remains unique in its offerings while being innovative in reaching potential visitors and excelling at service standards once we have them here.
To this end the next few months are busy ones for us all as both the public and private sector endeavor to better communicate with each other and to improve our skills. These are only a few such examples:
* A Tourism Marketing Forum designed to provide greater
insight and specific marketing and advertising skills is in the planning
phase for the month of October.
* Destination marketing visits began in Cayo in July and are scheduled for all destinations throughout the coming months to get direct feedback from stakeholders and to reinforce the cooperative marketing and public relations opportunities that are available.
* Entries and ticket sales for the exciting extravaganza of the 2009
Taste of Belize are going well Register as a participant or get your tickets at tasteofbelize.com
* Social networking activities online have increased significantly with the BTB as well as many private sector members actively engaged in positively promoting Belize on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and on travel forums.
* Private sector trade show co-ops are in the planning stages
for the upcoming trade show schedule to be found at trade show schedule on
belizetourism.org
We look forward to your active participation in these activities and as a gentle reminder, note the following:
* Make sure that localtourism@travelbelize.org is enabled in your email software – we send you emails at least once on week!
* Share "What's New with You" - for Media and Travel Trade partners
* Submit your Travel Deals to be listed on travelbelize.org
* Belizeemergency.net will be used for updates in "unplanned events" such as the Influenza A H1N1 virus; or any storms this hurricane season
Please feel free to provide feedback via our website, by email, telephone or a visit to our offices at #64 Regent St. in Belize City. We are here to provide support and assistance in ensuring that we have a viable tourism product.
With warm BTB regards,
Tracy Panton
Director of Tourism
