The Belize Tourism Board may be riding the wave of successive high years of highs in overnight tourism arrivals – but the organization just can’t seem to find stability. 7news has confirmed that Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ian Lizarraga is resigning effective tomorrow. Lizarraga told us that he is quote,

“Returning to his private sector responsibilities.” He says he has a restaurant in Cayo that is, quote, “taking more of my time than I thought it would.” End quote.

He added that he has discussed it with his Minister Manuel Juniour Herredia, CEO Tracy Panton and his board of directors. He told us that Einer Gomez will be interim chairman until the minister appoints a new chairman. Lizarraga was the third Chairman in just over five years of the Barrow administration, which does not speak well for long term stability, since there have also been three tourism directors, and three Ministry CEO’s in that same period. Lizarraga served as chairman for just over a year.

Channel 7

It’s Official, Lizarraga Resigns, Next?

Who will lead the BTB now? That’s after the Chairman of the Board, Ian Lizarraga resigned last night in a letter to Tourism Minister Manuel “Juniour” Heredia. Heredia now has to find his fourth chairman in just over five years – which indicates instability, even as overnight tourism continues to post 10% annual growth.

CEO in the Ministry of Tourism Tracey Taeger Panton today told us that a new chairman has not been named and the Minister is consulting with the PM to decide on his new chairman. In the interim, Deputy Chair, Einer Gomez is holding over.

And while Herredia is now managing another transition at a tourism Board that has seen three directors, three CEO’s and now it’s fourth Chairman, industry insiders are wondering what led to Lizarraga’s departure. The official reason stated in his letter is that with his new restaurant in Cayo he can’t afford the time – but other information suggests discord within the BTB, and even hint at inappropriate behavior by the outgoing chairman.

Channel 7