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Yesterday was world tourism day and the tourism board organized a vibrant art competition under the theme "Our people, Our landscape, Our Tourism."
40 artists submitted material and a total of 19 were featured in the show.
The winning piece, however, was submitted by legendary San Pedrano, Edwardo "Papo" Alamilla who captured the essence of the world tourism day theme in a colorful panorama of tourism touchstones. For that he won the five thousand dollar prize. The BTB also honored one disabled artist who was recognized for his work. The PR Officer said tourism is a way of life:
Mike Hernandez, Communication and Media Relations Officer
"I want to begin by first of all extending to you all a happy world tourism day. It's quite an important day for our dynamic tourism industry and this year's theme is observed under tourism and green investments. And the theme underscores the importance of sustainment practices in the travel and tourism Industry and as the Minister said in his address today and I want to just borrow a couple of words from him he said, as we celebrate world tourism day let us recognize that in Belize this is not just a theme for a single day it's our way of life."
Sitnah Blease, Community Relations Officer
"Additionally we want to give special recognition to one of our artists whose work is featured in the exhibit today. And also one of our top artists. This special recognition is being given for his dedication, his inspiration and his creative talent. And this special recognition goes to Mr Kirk Cruz who is with us today. Mr Cruz was injured in 2006 which left him paralyzed but he overcame this adversity and taught himself to paint with his left hand. And you are going to see his art work in the exhibit and when you see it you'll want to know what his paintings looked like with his right dominant hand before the accident."
Kirk Cruz, Artist
"I'm very thankful to the Belize tourism board for this award and just wanted to say that art is my life, it is my passion and in the future I plan to open a center for disabled people to come and learn artwork in San Pedro to uplift people using art. Art is a very very good way to overcome disability it gives you mental strength it makes you wanna be more determined and makes you wanna do things in life that uplift yourself."
10 of the top finishers received "staycation packages" courtesy of hotels and resorts across the country.
