Director of Tourism chosen

It’s a post that doesn’t pay particularly well, involves six or seven day workweeks and makes far more enemies than friends. But the job of Director of Tourism is a crucial one in an industry that many see as Belize’s best hope for economic salvation. Today we are reliably informed that the person chosen as the new director is none other than Valerie Woods. Woods, who previously served as deputy director, was selected from a strong field of candidates. She will work under the direction of the Belize Tourist Board, chaired by Patty Arceo, as well as the Minister of Tourism, Mark Espat. In related news Woods will appear live on the regional television show “Talk Caribbean” this coming Monday night. Along with Caribbean Tourism Organization Chief Jean Holder, she will be looking at the future of the region’s number one money earner and the role to be played by ecotourism. One of the three deputy directors’ posts has also been filled. Tracy Taegar has been selected as deputy director for marketing.