National Tourism Awards honours industry’s best

On Friday night the Belize Tourism Board hosted the annual National Tourism Awards. A total of fourteen people and organisations were honoured across a wide range of categories. Hotel of the year was San Pedro’s Cayo Espanto while Small Hotel of the Year honours went to Beya Suites of Punta Gorda. Back-a-Bush Adventures was top Tour Operator, Phillip Burns is Tour Guide of the Year, Caribbean Shipping was awarded best Receptive Service of the Year, while popular airport porter, Steve Evans, was named Front Line Person of the Year. The year’s Cultural Award went to Paul Nabor; Spanish Creek Wildlife Sanctuary was named outstanding Environmental Organization, while Toledo’s Tumul Kin Learning Center topped the educational category. King Cassava Restaurant of Hopkins is Best Small Vendor, Travellers Liquors took the corporate category, while special recognition was given to Suzette Gibson for her years of commitment to the industry. Rounding out the recipients were Everisto Chun, who was presented with the Minister’s Award and Alice Bowman of Dangriga’s Pelican Beach Resort who received the Lifetime Achievement Award.