The Belize Tourism Board on Friday held its 5th annual tourism award ceremony. The event took place at the Belize Biltmore Plaza hotel to honor 12 recipients for their contribution to the development of the tourism industry and related fields of work. Lord Rhaburn received the cultural development award, the Belize Audubon Society received the environmental organization of the year award, the Organization of American States Small Tourism Enterprise Program received the educational organization of the year award, and Marie Sharpe Fine Foods received the corporate organization of the year award.
Front line person of the year went to Kenny Geban. Receptive service of the year award went to Monchos auto Rental, Dana Clancy of Grey Line Tours Belize got the tour guide of the year award while Cayo Adventure tours received the tour operator of the year award. Small hotel of the year went to Fernando's Seaside Guesthouse in Sarteneja while the turtle inn in Placencia got the hotel of the year award. The minister's award was given to Allan Foreman while Paul Hunt was presented with the lifetime achievement award.
While those were the night's highlights, recognition was also given to BTB staffers who have served the organization for 15 years and over. A special presentation was also made to Dorothy Menzies and the Dorothy Menzies Childcare Center by the Caribbean Tourism Organization.