Destination Belize, the tourism guide for 2013, launched
It was a big day for tourism today as the seventeenth edition of Destination Belize was officially launched. The magazine is the official visitor publication of the Belize Tourism Industry Association and is considered one of the best marketing tools on travel to the country. Destination Belize 2013 was launched under the theme – an invigorating and creative approach to marketing Belize’s Diverse Tourism Product, and for the second consecutive year was published by Idea Lab Studios. Stakeholders in the industry were at the Radisson Fort George this morning for the event and freelance reporter Mike Rudon has the story.
Mike Rudon, Reporting
This edition of Destination Belize, the seventeenth, has been lauded as the best yet, and the B.T.I.A. which commissions the publication claims that although production was slightly delayed, the wait will be well worth it for those taking advantage of its popularity and distribution to advertise.
Demian Solano, IdeaLab Studios
“The format of the magazine remains the same. We like what the format does for the reader in that the first half of the book is about articles and experiential travel. So we have different sections. The welcome message from dignitaries, the welcome to Belize story which I will talk about a little on. There is all the other sections that we like to cover which are conservation, diving and the underwater world, fishing, water sports, the Maya heartland, nature and inland travel, family travel, weddings and honeymoons, spa, business, entertainment and culture and cuisine. We feel that all of these articles really encompass everything that Belize has to offer any tourists in the country. the second half of the book is more of the utilitarian part of the publication which lists all of the destinations with a brief description of what a visitor can expect to find when visiting a destination as well as where to eat, stay and what activities they can do.”
Herbert Haylock
Herbert Haylock, B.T.I.A. President
“Destination Belize 2013 is much more than colorful advertisements and captions. It represents a true authentic reflection of what Belize has to offer the world. Yeah there is that word again. Where else could you find what we can offer? I will argue with anyone that you won’t find it anywhere else in the world. The editorial pieces that we encapsulated by the contributing writers have showcased Belize like never before. Anyone picking up the Destination Belize 2013 magazine is bound to be awed and inspired and be convinced that they need to be in Belize.”
And while the occasion was the launching of the magazine, B.T.I.A. President Herbert Haylock used the opportunity to cite growing tourism stats and to encourage private sector tourism stakeholders to rise up to meet the demands of changing times.
Herbert Haylock
“We recognize that we are coming off a record year in 2012 statistically where we have seen growth in arrivals exceeding ten percentage points when compared to 2011 and of course we must applaud the efforts of everyone who have been involved and who helped to contribute to that increase however minimal those contributions. The year ahead in 2013 looks even more promising for Belize. Let us take stock of our facilities, our operations, our businesses. Are we all delivering the truly quality product demanded by the visitor? Are we confirming to all the regulatory departments? Is our visitor experience truly a genuine and authentic one? Let us look a little further as well. Horizon 2030, the national development framework for Belize cements in principle and that key economic goals will focus on building economic resilience, promoting productivity and competitiveness and ensuring the environmental sustainability of economic activity. One particular activity focus indicates that it will ensure a sustainable and profitable tourism sector. Furthermore it is cited that government will maximize its revenue generating potential while maintaining a tax system that is equitable and the regulatory regime that encourages productive investment by the private sector.”
And for the Belize Tourism Industry Association, the best part of the event was yet to come, as the Destination Belize brand was brought back home after nearly two decades.
Herbert Haylock
“A couple years ago, B.T.I.A. made strategic decisions to bring the magazine home. At that time, we had closed a long time relationship with the previous publishers. Our partnership with the Belize Tourism Board was integral in that transition and today as well. Ladies and gentlemen, the chairman of the board of the B.T.B. will official transfer documents that will lodge the trademark Destination Belize name officially with the Belize Tourism Industry Association.”
After signing on the dotted line with B.T.B. Chairman Ian Lizarraga, the Destination Belize trademark was home with the B.T.I.A. Add that momentous event to the prospect of rising tourism figures and the launch of the premiere tourism magazine, and it was a very good day for the industry.
Destination Belize is produced annually and features images of the entire country, travel tips, articles and information to introduce travels to the unique destination which is Belize.
