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Belize Tourism Board News
Belize Shares Mother Nature's Best Kept Secret In Las Vegas
Belize amongst over 350 exhibiting companies was well represented at THE TRADESHOW (Traveling Retailing and Destination Expo) in Las Vegas from September 13th – September 15th, 2009 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
THE TRADESHOW is the top North American meeting place for destinations, travel suppliers and travel retailers worldwide to connect and establish new business relationships, representing every segment of the travel and tourism industry. The expo also afforded the opportunity to learn the latest consumer travel trends and happenings in terms of technology, products, and destinations as well as a chance to meet and cultivate valuable sources.
The exhibitors were also able to secure personal interviews with leading travel executives from the United States and around the world. Marketing Director of the Belize Tourism Board, Mrs. Shakira Tsai and Marketing Officer, Shyvonne Leslie, met with agents from Cruise & Vacations, Thomas Hogan Travel, Travel Consulting Marketing, SailAway Cruises & Tours, Travel Leaders, Expedia Inc., International Accents and Unique Vacations by Caren. In addition to the show, they had the opportunity to network and learn from officials representing the world's leading National Tourism Offices (NTO) at the 4th Annual NTO Summit. The forum provided a venue for NTO representatives to meet and discuss issues relevant to their specific industry niche. Featured presentations at the summit included Marketing the Value of your Destination in Today's Economy and Capitalizing on profitable niche markets –what works in specialized segments.
The Belize delegation also included representative from the Belize Hotel Association, Tanya McNab.
Belize Attends 11th Annual Vacation Ownership Investment Conference
Belize delegates, along with over 750 other delegates and senior executives from around the world gathered at the Peabody Orlando for the 11th Annual Vacation Ownership Investment Conference on September 14th – 17th, 2009.
The Vacation Ownership Investment Conference (VOIC) was designed to provide developers and potential investors with the necessary tools and networking opportunities to intelligently and effectively enter into the vacation ownership industry. The conference also gave attendees the opportunity to exchange insights in consulting, branding, designing, financing, marketing, sales, and management, and also make valuable contacts with vacation ownership experts, lenders, developers, hoteliers, and government and tourism officials.
During the four-day conference attendees were educated about the potential of the vacation ownership industry, one of hospitality's most vibrant sectors with over $10 billion in annual US sales. Several sessions were conducted by experts which educated attendees on various factors such as creating an in-depth picture of how the hospitality industry is performing, learning about innovative marketing and sales techniques for the "new normal" that produce results and minimize costs in changed environment and learning how to measure the Caribbean's potential as it is considered one of the top vacation destinations in the world and easily accessible from the United States.
Representatives from the Belize Tourism Board that attended the conference were Mr. Lloyd Enriquez, Registrar of Hotels; Mr. Noel Escalante, Senior Tax Auditor; Mr. Javier Paredez, Hotel Tax Auditor; and Mr. Orlando Azueta, Internal Auditor.
Belize participates in the Sixth Annual Central America Travel Market in Salvador
Belize City, Thursday, October 15th, 2009 – Belize had a distinct presence at the sixth annual Central America Travel Market held from October 10th - October 12th, 2009, at the International Trade Show & Convention Center in El Salvador.
Central America Travel Market (CATM) is a professional tourism exposition where suppliers and buyers from major outbound markets in Europe, Asia, and North America have the opportunity to build profitable business relations with the seven Central American destinations. CATM is a trade fair that is organized with the joint support of the tourism private and public sectors of all seven Central American countries with the support of SICA and the recently established Central American Tourism Agency —a public relations company located in Spain to grow European business to Central American destinations. For its part, the Belize participation was organized by the BTB and the BTIA.
The Belize Tourism Board, along with a delegation comprised of various private sector representatives, showcased the uniqueness and beauty that Belize has to offer. The show attracted over 100 exhibitors, 50 wholesalers, and had the presence of specialized mass media from major outbound markets to strengthen the region’s image and potential with international partners.
With an interest in growing budding markets and a need to undertake aggressive marketing initiatives, Belize demonstrated a continued strong presence at this year’s show. The delegation comprised of a total of 15 booths and approximately 25 tourism representatives. There was tremendous interest for Belize as the delegation was busy with meetings and appointments over the two-day period. Furthermore, the Belize post tours had a total of 10 participants who came to Belize, and these included wholesalers, press, and buyers who wanted to do business in Belize through their visits.
Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation & Culture, Mr. Mike Singh and President of the Belize Tourism Industry Association & FEDECATUR, Mrs. Dionne Miranda participated in the official events at the trade fair and were actively involved in meetings with regional government officials, the international trade, and international press as well as at the Belize stands.
“This show gave us an excellent opportunity to showcase to international buyers countrywide, our Belizean culture, beauty, and adventure,” comments Tourism Director, Tracy Panton.” “Belize continues to attract the major outbound markets who wish to expand their products and Belize serves as an attractive option.”
Belize private sector participation included Cahal Pech Village Resort, the Lodge at Chaa Creek, Maya Island Air Regional, The Placencia Hotel, Ramon’s Village, Adventures in Belize, Splash Dive Resort, Belize Vacation Partners, Almond Beach Resort and Jaguar Reef Lodge, Tropic Air, Ka’ana Boutique Resort, Belize Hotel Association, Caye Caulker BTIA, Caye Caulker Plaza Hotel, Belize Tourism Industry Association and the Belize Tourism Board.
Representing the Ministry of Tourism was the CEO of the Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation & Culture, Mr. Mike Singh. Representing the Belize Tourism Board were Marketing Officers, Michelle Bowers and Lorena Martinez.
For more information on the developments and events in Belize tourism industry, please contact the Marketing Department at the Belize Tourism Board at (501)-227-2420, via e-mail: info@travelbelize.org or visit us at our website www.belizetourism.org
