The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) provides an avenue for those in the tourism industry to have their voices and concerns heard at the national level. With over 600 members across the country of Belize, the BTIA is divided according to destinations. Some of those destinations include San Pedro, Placencia, Punta Gorda, Corozal, Orange Walk and Cayo.
In San Pedro (SP), a new board has come into play, providing renewed energy and focus. On June 20th at 4pm, a general meeting was held at the Banyan Bay conference room. Under officiator Jim Scott, president of BTIA National, the new Board of Directors was elected. Mukul Kanabar was elected Chairperson, Vice Chair is Kelly German, Treasurer is Javier Williams, Secretary is Enes Ramirez, while Member at Large is Chris Beaumont and Past Chair is Julie Babcock.
The new board represents over 30 members, who comprise of hotels, restaurants, dive shops, banks, bars, gift shops, tour operators, tour guides, and several individuals who work in the tourism industry. Anyone involved in the industry is invited to join the BTIA, and they can do so as individuals, not necessarily through a business. (For requirements and to download an application, visit the website: http://www.btia.org/index.php/join-btia/rates-a-requirements.) The SP-BTIA aims to advocate for members at the local and national level, especially when it comes to such tourism issues as taxes, labor laws, banking, marketing and security, amongst others.
The new BTIA board’s immediate focus will be on the following three (3) issues: I – 24 hour emergency medical care in San Pedro; II – Better support of and participation in the anti-offshore drilling cause and III – Providing training to members. Anyone wanting to join the BTIA or learn more about the BTIA can contact Mukul Kanabar by email at: [email protected] or at telephone 226-2231.
