Belize Tourism Board’s signature National Tourism Awards event is back in 2022! With the rise of Belize as a top travel destination, the success of our tourism growth is equal to the quality of services provided on a daily basis. As the governing body of the tourism industry, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is set to recognize the excellence of its tourism partners through 10 categories in October 2022. Held since 2002, the National Tourism Awards is an annual recognition event for exceptional places, products, services, and yes — people! After not being able to celebrate in the last two years because of the COVID pandemic, it’s time to recognize and award the hard work, dedication, and major positive investments in tourism. The call for nominations is open until July 12 for the following 10 categories, which include a few new ones.
Nominate here.
Hotel of the Year Award
The Lodge at Jaguar Reef took home 2019’s award in this category.
A licensed hotel with ten or more rooms, where service exceeds excellence with demonstrated positive attitude and attentiveness of the staff. Offering exceptional value for money, equipped with outstanding facilities and amenities, innovation, and the ability to provide visitors with a truly authentic and all-encompassing Belize experience.
Small Accommodation of the Year Award
Blue Marlin Beach Resort took home 2019’s award in this category.
A licensed small accommodation with less than ten rooms that captures the essence of warmth and homeliness, displays customer service excellence, outstanding facilities, and a personalized touch in delivering the Belize brand to its visitors.
Tour Operator of the Year Award
‘Glamping’ at Half Moon Caye with Island Expeditions.
Island Expeditions took home 2019’s award in this category.
A licensed tour operator that offers a variety of tours that excel in service, marketing, creativity, uniqueness, safety, reliability, and value for money. The tour operator shall demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable and innovative business practices.
Tour Guide of the Year Award
Martin Ack of TIDE Tours took home 2019’s award in this category.
A licensed tour guide demonstrating a wealth of knowledge and ability to capture the attention of an audience. Additionally, the tour guide shall provide excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, creativity, and service excellence.
Frontline Person of the Year Award
Nikita Young of Chabil Mar Villas took home 2018’s award in this category.
A frontline employee who demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to welcome guests with great Belizean hospitality, is knowledgeable about Belize, and provides a memorable experience.
Note** Includes but is not limited to front desk personnel, concierge, waitress/waiter, bartender, bellhop, etc.
Restaurant of the Year Award
The Grove House at Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge took home 2019’s award in this category.
A restaurant that offers an exemplary dining experience and demonstrates service excellence. The menu offers a wide array of cultural cuisines and caters to a diverse palate.
Site of the Year Award
Half Moon Caye Natural Monument. Photo courtesy Belize Audubon Society
Half Moon Caye Natural Monument took home 2019’s award in this category.
A tourism site that’s frequently visited, typically for its inherent or exhibited natural or cultural value, historical significance, and natural or built beauty. This category includes but is not limited to Archaeological Sites, National Parks, Reserves, Sanctuaries, etc.
Green Champion of the Year Award
A new category, this award recognizes a tourism business that works responsibly, ethically, and sustainably by i.) Engaging in community service ii.) Reducing their carbon footprint through green initiatives, iii.) Adhering to environmental laws and best practices.
Cultural Experience of the Year Award
Also a new category, this award is in recognition of a truly authentic cultural experience that highlights Belize’s multifaceted heritage that: i.) creates substantial economic impact, ii.) attract visitors (local and international), iii.) generate national or international media profiles; iv.) Promotes or contributes to the survival of cultural knowledge or practice.
Health and Wellness Provider of the Year Award
For the first time, a tourism business entity will be recognized in Belize’s National Tourism Awards in 2022 for offering a well-rounded wellness program that addresses mental, physical, or spiritual health and wellness.
Header image via Belize Tourism Board.
