On Saturday, October 20th, the annual Belize Tourism Board’s (BTB) National Tourism Awards was held in Belize City, Belize. This year marked the 16th anniversary of this event and the celebrations and awards did not disappoint.
See also: The Top Luxury Hotels in Belize and The Best Eco-Resorts in Belize
Every year I look forward to this post since it’s a great way to keep up-to-date with the best resorts, hotels, tour operators, tour guides, and frontline personnel of Belize. Kudos to the 2018 winners, and a bigger shout out to all the tourism stakeholders that support the industry and make Belize a top travel destination.
Here are the BTB’s National Tourism Awards 2018 winners:
Front-line Person of the Year
Nikita Young of Chabil Mar Villas in Placencia, Stann Creek won the award for front-line person of the year 2018. This honour goes to an individual who always puts the happiness of visitors and their experiences, before themselves. It is usually given to individuals such as bartenders, servers, and front desk staff.
Tour Guide of the Year
Carlos Hernandez of Ian Anderson’s Cave Branch Jungle Lodge near Belmopan, Cayo won the award for the tour guide of the year 2018. This award is given to a Belizean tour guide that demonstrates exceptional knowledge of Belize’s natural attractions and it’s history, culture, and heritage. They give each guest an unforgettable vacation experience through exceptional leadership.
Tour Operator of the Year
Chukka Belize won the tour operator of the year 2018. This award is an affirmation of the positive and vital role of good tour operators in Belize. Priority is placed in providing superb excursions, excellent customer service, and most importantly, the safety of guests; which in return gives every tourist an unmatched vacation experience.
Tour Guide Association of the Year
The San Pedro Tourist Guide Association won the tour guide association award of the year 2018. This award goes to a registered tour guide association that is representative of, and is accountable to, its membership and the tourism industry. The association demonstrates professional business ethics and is creative and unique in addressing the needs of its members. Flexible in adapting to change and industry growth.
Hospitality Award of the Year
The Belize Chocolate Company, located in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye received the hospitality award of the year 2018. This award is given to a tourism business that offers exceptional service, plays a crucial role in the advancement of the travel industry and offers an authentic Belizean experience. Employees enjoy working for this company and it reflects in how guests are treated here.
Hotel of the Year
The Lodge at Chaa Creek, located near San Ignacio, Cayo received the hotel of the year award 2018. This honour recognizes a hotel that exceeds excellence in all forms – a true example to other hotels in Belize. Perfect ambiance, the staff offers exceptional service and positive attitude, facilities and amenities are outstanding, and each visitor experiences the best of what Belize has to offer. Chaa Creek has won this award several times.
Small Accommodation of the Year
Ambergris Caye’s Cayo Espanto Island Resort received the small hotel of the year award 2018. This award is given to a boutique hotel which strays from the ordinary but respects the elements that make Belize a unique destination. The hotel and staff must illustrate eco-consciousness, character, and innovation.
Top Performing Hotel of the Year
Grand Caribe, located in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye was awarded the top performing hotel of the year 2018. For the first time ever, from a list of the top 10 performing hotels in Belize, the Belize Tourism Board decided to recognize the top performing hotel based on key performance indicators such as total revenue, occupancy rates, and tax contributions.
Restaurant of the Year
The Grove House by Chef Adan, located at The Sleeping Rainforest Lodge near Belmopan, Cayo won the restaurant of the year award 2018. This honour is given to a restaurant which has demonstrated to surpass other food establishments by providing a wonderful dining experience through exceptional food, creative concoctions, and excellent customer service.
Tourism Site of the Year
St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park, located near Belmopan, cayo is this year’s tourism site of the year 2018 winner. This award is given to a tourism site that is frequently visited, typically for its inherent or exhibited natural or cultural value, historical significance, and natural or built beauty.
Major Festival or Event of the Year
The Caye Caulker Lobster Fest won this year’s award for major festival/ event of the year 2018. This award is in recognition of annual cultural festivals or events including major exhibitions that: i.) create substantial economic impact, ii.) attract visitors (local and international), iii.) generate national or international media profile; iv.) positively promote the destination.
Lifetime Achievement
Ian and Ella Anderson, founders of the Cave’s Branch Adventure Company and Jungle Lodge won the lifetime achievement award 2018. This award is given to a person who is bold enough to take risks and gloriously leads in the development of tourism in Belize. They are selfless individuals who strive to improve not only their environment but the lives of everyone around them.
Minister’s Award
Ilsa Villanueva, Chairperson of Placencia’s Village Council won the Minister’s award 2018. This award is given to an individual singled out by the Minister of Tourism and Culture, for a consistent portrayal of community improvement, activism, and achievements in the travel industry of Belize.
That’s it for the 2018 award winners – for a list of the 2017 winners, check out belizeadventure.ca/belize-tourism-awards-2017.
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