Reimagining Belizean Tourism
Dangriga Mixer hosted by the Dangriga Chapter. Pictured are President Stewart Krohn, Executive Director Linette Canto, Chairperson Roselia Zabaneh, and Mayor H.E. Robert Mariano, along with board and chapter members. Photo: BTIA.
By Linette A. Canto
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) has received a significant boost from a MAR Fund grant, aiding the tourism sector’s efforts in regrowth and rejuvenation.The grant received for the period from November 1, 2021, to January 31, 2023, enabled the appointment of a new Executive Director. This funding has empowered the Executive Director to lead the secretariat in advancing the association’s goals and objectives. Additionally, the Executive Director has hired an Administrative Assistant and is collaborating with the Executive Committee on an action plan for the upcoming months.
The grant was instrumental in organizing BTIA’s tourism summit, centered on the theme “Reimagining Belizean Tourism.” The summit featured five key panels:
- Preparing for Climate Change: Is Beach Tourism an Endangered Species?
- Belize City Cruise Ports: How Many is Too Many?
- Branding Belizean Tourism for Resilience
- Airport and Land Borders: Short and Long Term Solutions
- Looking Ahead: What is the Goal and How Do We Get There?
Distinguished guests included the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Anthony Mahler, and Mr. Vincent Vanderpool Wallace, Former Minister of Tourism of the Bahamas, along with other insightful panelists. The primary objective was to assess the current state of tourism, set future goals, and determine sustainable pathways forward. The summit saw strong participation with 128 attendees in person, 231 via Facebook Live, and 15 through Zoom, along with coverage by three media outlets, making it a success in both attendance and presentation.
Additionally, the BTIA’s leadership met with various regional chapters, including Orange Walk, Caye Caulker, San Pedro, Placencia, Hopkins, Dangriga, Toledo, and Cayo. These meetings, despite the inactivity in Corozal and Belmopan, were enthusiastically received and instrumental in fostering engagement and synergy within the chapters.
The BTIA acknowledged the significant support from the MAR Fund at the summit and through media appearances, highlighting the chapter visits and stakeholder meetings via social media and newsletters. The association is reinvigorated, with the board, secretariat, and members eagerly anticipating renewed training, events, and activities that will enhance the tourism industry.
In December 2022, the BTIA sought to reallocate remaining project funds towards culinary training, recognizing the importance of culinary tourism. The request was approved, and the “Raising the Bar on Belizean Cuisine” training was held on January 5th and 6th, 2023, in southern Belize. This training focused on sourcing local ingredients, developing innovative recipes, and enhancing the dining experience for guests. It attracted 10 chefs who gained valuable insights and were inspired to creatively incorporate local flavors into their menus. The BTIA extends its gratitude to MAR Fund for enabling this essential training, which significantly benefits the tourism sector.
Participants in the “Raising the Bar on Belizean Cuisine” training held in Placencia. Photo: BTIA.
