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| Mayor Elsa Paz and Evan Tillet of BTB cutting ribbon
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What was once known only as a travel location for divers from around
the world has since become the premier tourist destination in Belize.
Last Friday, June 4th, representatives from the Belize Tourism Board
(BTB), Belize Rural South Area Representative Manuel Heredia Jr., Mayor
Elsa Paz and the San Pedro Town Council came together to honor "La Isla
Bonita" at the inauguration of the official Ambergris Caye Tourist
Information Center.
Located on the south, front side of the San Pedro Town Hall, this
building was erected to provide a central location for visitors to
acquire information about island activities, as well as the many
adventures awaiting them on the mainland. The San Pedro Town Council
financed this civic improvement, which was built by contractor Mario
Leal.Well-known, local artist Efrain Guerrero was responsible for the
magnificent artwork adorning the new Tourist Information Center. A
wealth of tourist information pamphlets and brochures can be found
inside, as well as BTB Visitor Guides and several Destination Belize
magazines.
Opening Friday's ceremony, Area Representative Manuel Heredia Jr.
expressed how proud he was to be working "hand-in-hand" with the San
Pedro Town Council to make this island a better place for everyone -
the residents of the community and the many tourists who choose to
visit.
He then introduced Mayor Elsa Paz who stated what a "great step" the
Tourist Information Center was in the improvement of San Pedro Town.
She commented, "I hope our efforts to make tourism grow will reap great
rewards."
Next to address those gathered was BTB Product Development Officer
Anthony Mahler who agreed with the Area Representative that the Tourist
Information Center was a much-needed addition and expressed his hopes
that it would serve the community well. He then took the opportunity to
introduce his BTB colleagues, Director of Finance Evan Tillett and
Training Unit Director Vincent Palacio, who accompanied him to the
island.
Mayor Elsa Paz then recited a letter written by Minister of Tourism
Mark Espat in honor of this very special occasion. In it, he stated
that the Belize Tourism Board was happy to honor the request of the San
Pedro Town Council for assistance with this very vital addition to its
tourism industry. Minister Espat then supported this statement with a
check made out in the amount of $2,250 that will provide 50% of the
estimated operating costs to be incurred at the Information Center
during the months of June, July and August. Ending his letter, the
Minister wished the Mayor and San Pedro Town "every success for this
venture."
Closing the ceremony, the Mayor thanked everyone for their support
before inviting them for a tour of the new AC Tourist Information
Center.
The SPTC welcomes all business owners to drop off pamphlets or
brochures at the information center.
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