B.T.B. Launches BELTRAVEX

The tourism industry is a primary pillar of the economy; it creates jobs and opportunities and is a significant foreign exchange earner.  An expo was held today in Belize City on the occasion of World Tourism Day.  Aside from the stakeholders in the industry, we found high school students debating the values of sustainable tourism.  The theme: “Tourism and Jobs: a Better Future for All” was at the heart of the activities.  Here is News Five’s Hipolito Novelo.

Hipolito Novelo, Reporting

Hosted by the Belize Tourism Board, BELTRAVEX, the first Belize Travel Expo today opened its doors to students from twenty-two secondary and tertiary institutions. The Tourism Industry is a great contributor to the GDP and greatly attracts foreign exchange. Today’s event brings together industry stakeholders on World Tourism Day under the theme Tourism and Jobs: a better future for all.

Manuel Heredia Jr.

Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism

“The purpose of this day is to raise awareness on the role of tourism within the international community and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide. Today therefore is an excellent opportunity to reflect on the importance of world tourism, to take stock of where we are and to which direction our country is moving. Making new connections to people and nature is key to travelling.”

The main highlight of the event was a debate between students of the University of Belize and Stann Creek Ecumenical College who debated sustainable tourism.

Misty Michael

Misty Michael, Director, Marketing & Industry Relations, B.T.B.

“For the students today because today was really about the students. Our hope is that they will learn more about the industry, what it contributes to the Belizean economy as well as opportunities that are available for them once they graduate.”

According to Education Minister, the expo highlights the need for a curriculum that prepares students for specific industries.

Patrick Faber

Patrick Faber, Minister of Education

“We have said in term of looking at the curriculum that we need to be doing things that are more relevant to industries in which we find are very important to Belize and of course tourism is in that area. A case that readily comes to mind for instance in San Pedro where we rely on golf carts, we need to teach in high schools there how to repair golf carts. Make the education offerings more relevant to what we need in the industry is certainly and education item. I think if we continue to train our people to be tour guides, frontline workers whatever the needs are in the tourism industry, this will ensure that they have a place in the industry.”

The expo continues on Saturday. Reporting for News Five, I am Hipolito Novelo.