Today as part of tourism week the Belize Tourism Board officially inaugurated its new headquarters, a place where management and staff can finally call home after renting buildings for years. The permanent structure is located at sixty four Regent Street, formerly the Jehovah Witness church building. After undergoing major renovation in 2007 it opened for business last year. But in time for the election - it was officially opened today. According to Tourism Director Tracy Taegar Panton, it's really about the stakeholders.
Godfrey Smith, Minister of Tourism
"I've been asked from time to time why are you putting your wonderful beautiful headquarters in downtown Belize City which definitely everybody agrees need a lot of upgrading, a lot of refurbishment and the answer to that is for the very reason that you said, that Belize City downtown area is quite frankly a bit rundown and it needs some upgrading. If we are to plan the future with tourism being a critical part of our country's development - we have to recognize that yes infrastructure and roads are important going to Placencia, the cobblestone project is very important in San Pedro, infrastructure projects in Cayo very important. But at the same time I think we would do our country a disservice if we are to say let's bypass Belize City. It is very critical as I said earlier today in stability of the place."
Tracy Panton, Director - Tourism
"Today as we inaugurate the BTB's headquarter building we take a moment to pay tribute to a Belizean woman who was a true pioneer, industry
activist, devoted mother to Jeanie and Tommy, beloved sister, dear friend and neighbor, Mrs. Jean Ursula Shaw Nee Weir. She made no apologies for the rustic unsophisticated yet charming tourism product we offer. Her desire to preserve the authenticity of the Belize experience and ensure respect for the local way of life was never lost by those who traveled from far away places to be her guests."
The BTB building is dedicated in the memory of tourism pioneer Jean Ursilla Shaw. Jean Shaw was one of the founding members of the Belize Tourism Industry Association and BTIA's first president. She was also the proprietor of one of the oldest and longest serving establishments, the Hotel Mopan on Regent Street.
