B.T.B. celebrates Tourism Awareness Week

As was evident earlier in this newscast, Godfrey Smith has a lot on his plate regarding the ongoing negotiations with the Belize City Council, but this afternoon to the Tourism Minister told us he’s not going to let the issue of the Head Tax cloud the celebration of Tourism Awareness Week.

Godfrey Smith
“I think it is very hard to dampen the dynamism and vigour of the tourism industry on a whole and now I am saying beyond cruise, I mean the whole hotel industry, tourism as a whole is a mighty beast, a mighty creature, it’s a growing industry, with a huge potential. I think it will be very hard because so many people depend on it and I don’t think people will idly stand by and allow an irresponsible or reckless threat or action to damage an industry that has so much potential, so much beauty, so much natural attraction and benefits so many people.”

“I happen to think, like many others that tourism is soon poised to become the most important industry for Belize. If it is to be the most important or maybe already is, then we all have a role to play, then hence this year’s theme, which calls on all Belizeans to make a choice, play a role and enhance the experience, because at the end of the say it is men and women, boys and girls, everybody. How you treat tourists, I mean when we go abroad and travel, as we all like to do I am sure, isn’t it great when you feel welcomed in a place and people are willing to help you, guide you, warn you about issues and so on, hence the same applies to Belize. If the tourism dollar is so important, then we all have a role to play from the biggest investor to the smallest student in school and I hope that coming out of this week that message will be more and more ingrained in the hearts and mind of the Belizean people.”

Activities for Tourism Awareness Week include media tours to popular destinations, a social studies quiz, and the annual Tourism Awards ceremony to be held on Friday night.