On Monday, April 25th, the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), along with the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and McNab Publishing Limited, unveiled the new theme for 2016-2017 Destination Belize. This year’s publication is titled “Travel Curious: This Journey Will Change You”, is taking a step into the future, promoting adventurous traveling. Since 1995, Destination Belize has served as the country’s leading tourism magazine.
Key stakeholders from the business community, tourism industry, and members from BTIA, BTB, and McNab Publishing, gathered at the Belize Biltmore Plaza for a social mixer where they were able to become familiar with the publication’s innovative marketing techniques and new strategies. The last printed edition of Destination Belize came out in 2012. McNab Publishing has ensured that the next edition will feature an interactive travel website, as well as an integrated destination marketing approach including a mobile app and E-book.
Opening the event was President of the BTIA, Osmany Salas, who highlighted the future plans of the signature publication. BTB’s Director of Marketing and Industry Relations, Karen Pike, then shared the importance of growth in the tourism industry and how marketing Belize makes a great difference in obtaining recognition for our country.
Also addressing those in attendance was Creative Director at McNab Publishing, Tanya McNab, who emphasized the key points of installing the new digital marketing tools that will enhance the publication. “The relationship between travel and technology has become closer than ever as consumers rely more on smart devices when travelling. From its eBook versions, to the use of QR codes and the introduction of the country’s new Travel App, the new Destination Belize offers a package that will suit the needs of travelers, distributors and the needs of the ever-changing technology landscape,” said McNab.
Last to speak was John M. Burgos, Executive Director of BTIA, who described the importance of rebranding the publication and how using new avenues improves the overall essence of the magazine. “We cannot stray away from the content. We’ve got to present what Belize has to offer and part of that is the visuals depicting the different destinations. Whether it is beach and leisure, adventure, Maya, food, heritage, we have to portray a little bit of everything. As you know, for the size of Belize, we have so much to offer, so we have to try to continuously present it in the best way.”
Besides unveiling the new theme, the mixer also served as a venue to announce the winner of BTIA’s “Capture the Cover” competition. Earlier this month, the BTIA created the photo competition allowing Belizeans the opportunity to submit inspiring photos that will be published in the magazine. Eight photographers were acknowledged and recognized for the following categories: Sea: Juan Carlo Menzies and Wesley Witt; Land: Monica Gallardo and Scott Houston; Heritage: Melvin Diego Jr.; Wildlife: Hannah Montero; Well-being: Cynthia Giovagnoli; and Public’s Choice: Scott and Jodie Harnish from Palapa Bar.
BTIA, BTB and McNab Publishing extend their appreciation to all those who attended the event and have continuously supported the new change to Destination Belize. The magazine will be officially launched in September 2016.
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