Excellence in Tourism Recognized at Belize National Tourism Awards Gala

The Belize Tourism Board celebrated excellence in the industry over the weekend with its annual Belize National Tourism Awards Gala. The gala was held in Belize City on Sunday, where individuals and organizations were recognized in various categories. Those categories were judged Kevin Geban, Karen Vernon, Chef Rob Pronk, Einar Marin, and Jamal Galvez. Winners at the event included The Hilltop Spa at Chaa Creek for Health and Wellness Provider of the Year Award, Rosella Zabaneh who won the Minister’s Award, and Dahlia Castillo who won the Lifetime Achievement Award. There were seven nominees in the race for the Cultural Experience of the Year Award, but when the final scores were announced the award went to the Habinahan Wanaragua/Dance Jonkunnu. 

The awards also took a focus on small properties involved in eco-tourism. The Small Accommodation of the Year Award went to Alma Del Rio. 

Other winners included Hotel of the Year Award, Naia Resort and Spa; Tour Operator of the Year Award Scuba School and Family Dive Center; Tour Guide of the Year Award Nedia Chaplin; Frontline Person of the Year Award Larry Leslie; Restaurant of the Year Award Mambo Restaurant at Matachica Resort and Spa; Site of the Year Award Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association and Green Champion of the Year Award, won by the Blancaneaux Lodge.