The Belize Tourism Board presents your finalists for the 10th Annual National Tourism Awards. Thank you for taking part of the voting process and ensuring that excellence receives the recognition it deserves. Deadline for voting was closed at midnight May 13th, 2010.

Judging Process:
All nominations have been received and the two highest voted nominees in each category have been posted below. Representatives of the BTB's Board and management team have selected a panel of judges comprised of representatives from the tourism industry (both private and public sector). The identities of the judges are kept confidential.

The two finalists in each category will be presented to the judging panels and nominees will be assessed on how well they meet the award criteria. These finalists may even be subject to site visits or interviews. The panel of judges will then confer and pick the winner for each category.


Categories, Criteria and Finalists

Environmental Organization of the Year
An organization that is a leader in the conservation and preservation of Belize's natural resources; practices sustainable management of Belize's natural resources, supports community development and promotes public awareness and education of environmental preservation.
Receptive Service of the Year
A tourism business entity that offers exceptional service to customers, the ability to manage a business seamlessly, is sensitive to the needs of staff, flexible in adapting to change and accommodating to the industry's needs and offers an authentic Belizean experience.
Hotel of the Year
A licensed hotel that offers a gateway to paradise, where service exceeds excellence, engulfed with positive attitude and attentiveness of staff, offers exceptional value for money, has outstanding facilities and amenities, remarkable ambiance, innovation and the ability to provide visitors with a true sample of the Belize brand.

Small Hotel of the Year
A licensed small hotel that captures the essence of warmth and homeliness, displays customer - service excellence, utilizes environmental best practices and sound management.
Tour Operator of the Year
A licensed tour operator that offers a variety of tours which excels in service, product innovation, marketing, creativity, uniqueness, safety, reliability and value for money.
Tour Guide of the Year
A licensed tour guide with a wealth of knowledge, has the ability to mesmerize an audience, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, positive attitude, creativity and the ability to provide world-class tour experience.
  • Eloy Quevas (Monkey River Retreat) - *FINALIST*
  • Rudolf Thompson (CPR saved a life) - *FINALIST*
  • Dwayne Young (Joy Tours)
  • Mauricio Aguilar (Lamanai Outpost Lodge)
  • Luis Godoy (Belize Nature Travel)
Frontline Person of the Year
A frontline employee who has unmatched interpersonal skills, the ability to welcome guests with great Belizean hospitality, is well versed about the Belize product and provides a memorable experience.
Cultural Award of the Year
A person or organization that exemplifies Belizean entertainment, is instrumental in the creative arts, and/or music, food and promotes and preserves Belize's cultural heritage.
Small Vendor of the Year
A small vendor who offers creative and quality products and provides value for money with exceptional service.
Restaurant of the Year
A restaurant offering a dining experience and not just a meal or a routine. Here, the ambiance is bliss, the menu offers diversity and the service is great. The personality of the restaurant is as distinct as the staff is professional.
Destination of the Year *New*
This destination is proactive in terms of marketing, product enhancement and sustainability initiatives. In addition, customers rave about their satisfaction levels and high service standards found throughout. Events and attractions are bountiful while both the tangible and intangible product offering contribute to the lure, comfort and convenience of all who visit.
In Addition, there will be two more awards, for which no nominations were requested, namely:
  • Minister's Award
  • Lifetime Achievement Award

Voting was allowed up to midnight, May 13, 2010.