The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) hosted its 26th Annual General Meeting today at the Radisson. While the meeting's main focus was the election of board members for 2011-2012, the Association also took time to unveil plans for the development of a new website to better market Belize as a destination, and outline plans for the upcoming Belize Tourism Expo 2012.
President of the BTIA, Jim Scott says the once struggling organization is now back on track as it moves forward in its mission to promote Sustainable Tourism, while supporting professional growth of the industry.
Jim Scott, President BTIA
"One is our marketing efforts. We are a small country and we have limited resources financially to compete internationally, but we are very bless because of our cultural attributes and resources and our heritage and we are incredible bless by Mother Nature. The Barrier Reef, our interior, we are incredible bless so saying that - we have to maximize every resource possible and jointly focus our efforts to tackle that marketing challenge. That would be one. Two; to stay competitive."
Jim McFadzean
"Some recent statistics for this year came out that there's been an increase in overnight stay. Are you optimistic for the coming year?"
Jim Scott, President BTIA
"Absolutely, globally there have been increases. Regionally there have been increases and of course in Belize there have been increases and improvements. We need to make sure we focus on the priorities, the educational programs for our industry, we need to focus on our marketing, we need to focus on the delivery of our service, our product and so forth and we also need prudent infrastructure and taxation investment."
Jim McFadzean
"I know you mention earlier that crime remains one of the biggest challenges right now in marketing Belize. Why so?"
Jim Scott, President BTIA
"It's a de-marketing. With the information that's out there now that's accessible to people. Every time there is an article in the Amandala or in the Belize Times, Reporter on our news, all over our media - that's global now. You guys are broadcasting internationally, worldwide. They just have to click on the web, they hear all of our bad news and some of our good news, unfortunately some of the great news that happens around this country isn't broadcast enough, but crime on a per capita basis in a small little jewel of ours is a serious social issue that we have to tackle."
While Scott was not up for re-election, elections were conducted for three positions on the association's board. Pedro Perez was re-elected to serve as Treasurer, and Rob Hirons was re-elected to serve as Secretary, whilst Valerie Woods was elected to serve as 2nd Vice President.
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