Belize National Tourism Awards 2025 Recap
It was a night of glitz and glamour, honouring the dedication and service of stakeholders at the highly anticipated Belize National Tourism Awards 2025! Year after year, the Belize tourism industry continues to evolve thanks to the hard work of countless hoteliers, tour operators, tour guides, restaurateurs, cultural experience providers, and health and wellness providers – to name a few. The Belize National Tourism Awards highlight individuals and organisations that promote sustainability, innovation, authenticity, and the contagious warmth of Belizean hospitality!
The awards gala was like an Oscar Awards experience! Guests arrived at the Lord Ashcroft Centre in Belize City on Saturday, November 22, 2025, for a dazzling, lively cocktail hour. Promptly after, it transitioned into the formal program, honouring the country’s top performers in various categories. Ten distinctions were presented after an extensive judging process. The 2025 winners are as follows:
Frontline Person of the Year – Eric Mendez, Alaia Belize
Health and Wellness Provider of the Year – Naïa Resort and Spa
Tour Guide of the Year – Elvin Torres, UpClose Belize Ltd.
Cultural Experience of the Year – Palmento Grove Eco Cultural and Fishing Institute
Restaurant of the Year – Slate and Sap
Green Champion of the Year – Copal Tree Lodge
Site of the Year – Elijio Panti National Park
Tour Operator of the Year – Barefoot Services
Small Accommodation of the Year – Caribbean Beach Cabanas
Hotel of the Year – Copal Tree Lodge
After ten winners were awarded, two stalwarts were recognised for their passion and significant contribution to the tourism industry.
As the night’s festivities gradually came to an end, the Minister’s award was presented to Stanley Longworth Sr. for his time, commitment, and knowledge to the development of Belize’s cruise tourism. Immediately after, Francis Ford Coppola was acknowledged as the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, having invested in socio-economic and sustainable investments in Belize.
The Belize National Tourism Awards brings together stakeholders with the same goal – to keep Belize a top-tier tourism destination. It celebrates the many achievements over the past year, as every winner set the bar higher to provide more extraordinary visitor experiences.
