AmbergrisCaye.com Home
Posted By: Phil www.ac.com & the BTB Tourism Awards - 05/06/10 12:32 AM
Ambergris Caye.com is nominated in this years BTB Awards. They're highly prestigious awards that include Hotel of the Year, Restaurant of the year, Tour Operator of the Year and Tour Guide of the year, to mention a few.

If you think this site is deserving you can vote - they're in the Receptive Service of the Year Award (whatever that really means)

www.travelbelize.org/awardsvote/index.php#vote

Good luck to Marty and family.
Posted By: Marty Re: www.ac.com & the BTB Tourism Awards - 05/06/10 01:52 AM
thanks Phil!!! Pretty amazing. AmbergrisCaye.com is very honored to even be considered. Very nice to be recognized by BTB.
Posted By: Marty Re: www.ac.com & the BTB Tourism Awards - 05/06/10 01:52 AM
The Belize Tourism Board invites you to vote for the 10th Annual National Tourism Awards. If you were impressed by the quality of service you received in any of the following categories, we encourage you to do your part to ensure that excellence receives the recognition it deserves. Deadline for voting is midnight May 13th, 2010.

Judging Process:
All nominations have been received. The top four organization in each category have been placed for you to vote on below. Provide your feedback by voting your favorite in each category. 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 highest votes in each category will be presented to the judging panels and nominees will be assessed on how well they meet the award criteria. These semi-finalists will then be further reviewed, and may even be subject to site visits or interviews. The panel of judges will then confer and pick the winner for each category.


Minister's Award
The Minister independently chooses a tourism personnel or entity recognizing their distinguished services and contributions in the tourism industry.

Lifetime Achievement Award
The Tourism Awards Selection Committee chooses a person who has been active in the tourism industry and who has shown tremendous dedication and commitment in the development of tourism in Belize.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

VOTE HERE!

Posted By: tacogirl Re: www.ac.com & the BTB Tourism Awards - 05/06/10 02:22 AM
Thanks for posting Phil I just went and voted. Congrats Marty.
Me Too!!!
Got my vote, I use this site every day for information etc.
Best of luck Marty, You deserve it.
Posted By: SP Daily Re: www.ac.com & the BTB Tourism Awards - 05/09/10 12:25 AM
Marty who?
Recognition by the "tourism establishment" in Belize for AmbergrisCaye.com has been many years in coming.

Marty has done more for Belize tourism than anyone else I know in Belize.

Congrats, Marty, and good luck in the voting!

--Lan Sluder
Posted By: Marty Re: www.ac.com & the BTB Tourism Awards - 06/02/10 05:20 PM
The 10th Annual National Tourism Awards Ceremony will be held June 10th at 7pm at the Belize Best Western Biltmore Plaza.
Posted By: klcman Re: www.ac.com & the BTB Tourism Awards - 06/03/10 12:34 AM
Hope ya bring home the bacon.........I'd be happy to be your surrogate acceptee, if you are not going. Airfare & week at BB and I'm there! smile
Posted By: Marty Re: www.ac.com & the BTB Tourism Awards - 06/03/10 12:48 AM
I wouldn't miss it for anything!!!! Its quite an honor to just be there.
and thanks!!!
Posted By: SimonB Re: www.ac.com & the BTB Tourism Awards - 06/03/10 12:57 AM
I'd say good luck but I don't think you'll need it.
Posted By: Phil Re: www.ac.com & the BTB Tourism Awards - 06/09/10 03:27 PM
So you made Top 2 Now it's up to the judges. gl.
Posted By: Marty Re: www.ac.com & the BTB Tourism Awards - 06/09/10 03:32 PM
If we don't win, one sure can't complain about getting beat by the Museum!!!
Posted By: Katie Valk Re: www.ac.com & the BTB Tourism Awards - 06/11/10 12:14 AM
The BTB's Annual
Tourism Awards

Tonight, June 10th

LIVE!
On streaming video on
the Internet


The Belize Tourism Board presents the finalists for the 10th Annual National Tourism Awards! Tonight, these tourism stars will be honored for their contribution to the tourism industry.


Awards
Finalists

Destination of the Year *New*

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

Hopkins, Stann Creek

Receptive Service of the Year

Museum of Belize

Ambergriscaye.com

Hotel of the Year

Xanadu Island Resort

Jaguar Reef Lodge

Restaurant of the Year

Bonefish Grille (Singing Sands Inn)

Blue Water Grill (Sun Breeze Hotel)

Small Hotel of the Year

Seaside Cabanas

The Lodge at Big Falls

Tour Operator of the Year

Caves Branch Adventure Co.

Avadon Divers

Tour Guide of the Year

Eloy Quevas (Monkey River Retreat)

Rudolf Thompson (CPR saved a life)

Frontline Person of the Year

Benjamin Awe (Chaa Creek)

Natalie Ranguy (Chabil Mar)

Cultural Award of the Year

Three Kings of Belize

Umalali: The Garifuna Women's Project

Small Vendor of the Year


Tutti Frutti Gelateria

Cotton Tree Chocolate



The Awards will be broadcast live:
Via streaming video on the internet - Click here or use the following link: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bbn9

On Channel 60 (for CBC subscribers)
On Channel 11 (for Central Cable Vision Subscribers).
To view the finalists please click here

or use the link below:



http://www.travelbelize.org/awardsvote/

To view past winners visit belizetourism.org


We thank you for your input in recognizing our industry partners.

Kind regards,
Laura Esquivel Frampton
Director of Product Development








This message was sent from Belize Tourism Board to [email protected]. It was sent from: Belize Tourism Board, 64 Regent St PO Box 325 , Belize City, Belize 00000, Belize. You can modify/update your subscription via the link below. Email Marketing by




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Posted By: SP Daily Re: www.ac.com & the BTB Tourism Awards - 06/11/10 12:48 AM
Marty is gonna win for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted By: Short Re: www.ac.com & the BTB Tourism Awards - 06/11/10 06:35 AM
BTB TO HOSTS THE 1OTH ANNUAL NATIONAL TOURISM AWARD
June 10, 2010


The tenth annual National Tourism Awards will be held this evening. The two highest voted finalists will gather at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza to receive awards in 13 different categories. Laura Esquivel Frampton is the Director of Product Development at the Belize Tourism Board.

Laura Esquivel Frampton; Director of Product Development, BTB

"This program will be seeing us giving out awards for our stars in the tourism industry that exemplify; we feel that they exemplify services in the tourism industry. There are various criteria that are open to the public to nominate. We have the front line person of the year, tour guide of the year, we have the small vender of the year, restaurant of the year, receptive service of the year, we have a small hotel of the year, cultural award of the year, environmental award of the year, tour operator of the year and hotel of the year. In addition to this we will be recognizing the three green bloke certified hotels in Belize. We will also be having another special recognition of somebody special in the tourism industry which remains a secret but this really is an event that wants to highlight and congratulate all the people who work so hard to make the tourism industry what it is."

A new category 'Destination of the Year' has been added this year and the two nominees are San Pedro Ambergris Caye and Hopkins Village. There are also two special categories that acknowledge two other entities or individuals for their contribution to the tourism industry.

Laura Esquivel Frampton

"Our two big awards which people look forward to the most would be the minister's award and the lifetime achievement award. The minster's award is an award chosen particularly by the minister. This is somebody the minister feels is deserving of recognition in the tourism industry. The minister, in consultation of course with the board of directors and the BTB chooses somebody that he feels would exemplify great services towards the tourism industry. The lifetime achievement award is somewhat similar; the board and the members of the staff as well as the minister get together and discuss those people who have been pioneers in the tourism industry and who have really spent their entire lives helping to build the tourism industry to where it is. These are those special awards that really kind of take people out of their own little subcategories put them really to congratulate them for the work that they have done for tourism on a whole rather than just in the categories that were previously mentioned."

The ceremony will begin at this evening at seven o'clock.

http://www.lovefm.com/ndisplay.php?nid=12165
Posted By: Marty Re: www.ac.com & the BTB Tourism Awards - 06/11/10 08:02 AM
What a wonderful evening. We had a GREAT time. Lots of very deserving folks won awards, fantastic music... Beautiful dancing. AmbergrisCaye.com was very proud to come in 2nd in the receptive services category to the Belize Museum.

Katie and I spent the afternoon at the Museum before the awards ceremony and had a fantastic time. If you haven't been to the Belize Museum you are cheating yourself and your families. for Shame. smile There is a bug exhibit that is amazing. The upper floor is dedicated to Maya pieces, and their color and variety are to be seen and remembered. It's in the old jail downtown, which has been refurbished and is quite nice, yet still has some of the vestiges of the old jail. Cells you can go into, historical info and items. Fascinating. Fantastic guides, nice gift shop.

There was a special tribute to Mr.Wilfred Peters, who pioneered brukdown music, where they use an accordion, among other sound making devices, to make their tunes. He was very much a Belize City Cultural King. We'll miss you Mr. Peters....

The three kings video also won a special award. That video is a must see...

Thanks to all who supported AmbergrisCaye.com, it was certainly a night to remember.
Posted By: collyk Re: www.ac.com & the BTB Tourism Awards - 06/11/10 12:17 PM
I love the Belize Museum. It is brilliant. Congratulations Marty the recognition shows how important everyone knows you are to tourism in Ambergris Caye.
Originally Posted by collyk
Congratulations Marty the recognition shows how important everyone knows you are to tourism in Ambergris Caye.


I agree!!! www.AmbergrisCaye.com is an excellent source of information for newbies (& the not-so newbies).

Kudos, Marty!
Posted By: Barbara K Re: www.ac.com & the BTB Tourism Awards - 06/13/10 07:58 PM
Congrats!
Posted By: Marty Re: www.ac.com & the BTB Tourism Awards - 06/17/10 03:04 PM

Celi McCorkle Brings Back Lifetime Achievement Award

Tenth Annual Tourism Awards to honor the "Stars" of Tourism, Blue Water Grill & Xanadu Resort also Awarded

Industry representatives, stakeholders, celebrated guests and tourism friends all met at the Belize Biltmore Plaza's River Hall on Thursday, June 10 with the purpose of accompanying and celebrating the recipients of this year's Tourism Awards, now in its tenth year.

San Pedro has always had a strong presence at the awards and many nominees have come back home with winning trophies throughout the years. With no exception, this year two awards were handed out to for San Pedro. Blue Water Grill took home the award for Restaurant of the Year as they deliver a unique dining experience, ambiance, diversity and great service. Kelly McDermott Kanabar and her staff were present to accept their award.

Receiving a top award for the night was Ms. Celi McCorkle, for her pioneer work in establishing the hospitality industry and great and continuous contributions to the Tourism Industry. She took home the Lifetime Achievement award. San Pedro Town narrowly missed winning the new Destination of the Year Award and Xanadu Resort received special recognition for receiving Green Globe certification.

This year saw a total of 13 awards for the different categories and two special recognition awards. The National Tourism Awards Ceremony recognizes and honors industry partners and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the Industry.

For being essentially instrumental in preserving Belize's cultural heritage through their music and fully exemplifying Belizean entertainment, this year's Cultural Award of the Year went to the Three Kings of Belize; Mr. Wilfred Peters, Mr. Paul Nabor & Mr. Florencio Mes. Small Vendor of the Year went to Tutti Frutti Ice Gelateria for their creative, quality products and providing value for money with an exceptional service.

For his unmatched interpersonal skills, knowledge on Belize and ability to provide a memorable welcome and experience, Mr. Benjamin Awe was presented with the award for Frontline Person of the Year. Jaguar Reef Lodge proudly received the award for Hotel of the Year for excelling in service, ambiance, innovation and standards.

Receptive Service of the Year went to the Museum of Belize for their exceptional service to customers, offering an authentic Belizean experience and accommodating to the industry's needs. For their variety, service excellence, innovation, safety and reliability Caves Branch Adventure Co. obtained the Tour Operator of the Year Award.

Small Hotel of the Year went to The Lodge at Big Falls for its authenticity in Belizean experience and great service while the award for Environmental Organization of the Year went to the International Center for Responsible Tourism for displaying conservation of Belize's natural resources and promoting public awareness and education of environmental preservation.

Mr. Eloy Cuevas proudly took home the award for Tour Guide of the Year for his wealth of knowledge, positive attitude and dedication and commitment to exceptional tour guide practices. The newly introduced award for Destination of the Year went to Hopkins Village for its product enhancement, sustainability initiatives, high service standards, events and attractions. Tour Guide Rudolph Thompson was honored with a Special Recognition award for his ultimate example of dedication to the job and assisting in saving the life of a client. The other Special Recognition was given to the three Green Globe certified hotels in Belize: The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Hamanasi and Xanadu.

Every year, the Minister's Award is presented to someone whose work and unselfish interest in the tourism industry is grounded in community service and activism. This year Mr. Brian Young filled those requirements as he became the most recent recipient of this award.

The BTB hosted approximately 250 people at the Award Ceremony. Musical Entertainment was provided by Carlos Perote and Ray Arzu Drummers. Dancing entertainment was provided by the Vista Dancers. MC's for the night's event were William Neal and Gwen Nu�ez Gonzalez.

The 10th National Tourism Awards was broadcast live on BBN and streamed live on the Internet. At the event guests also had the opportunity to share in on their Tourism Awards experience through their Facebook and Twitter pages. Congratulations to all the winners.

More on Celi McCorkle

Celi McCorkle started the first hotel for San Pedro which was followed by the opening of the airstrip and dive shops, and the tour guiding business. Celi touched a lot of lives and opened the doors for the development of tourism. Additionally she has contributed much to the tourism industry through her efforts in BTB, BTIA, the Hotel Association and the Caribbean Hotel Association.

She was not only a pioneer, but a stalwart and pillar in tourism. On the side line Celi served as Chairlady of the new San Pedro High School and contributed time, patience, money and efforts towards education, something all Sanpedranos are grateful up to this day. This still very lovely woman, conscientious person, motivated business person, and very caring mother and friend has more credits to her name that it would take a book to do her justice. And just last year she was bestowed with Her Majesty the Queen's Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Ambergris Today

Posted By: Marty Re: www.ac.com & the BTB Tourism Awards - 06/17/10 05:22 PM

BTB hosts 10th Annual Tourism Awards

Kelly thanked her wonderful staff and their fantastic customers; "We [at Blue Water Grill] are humbled, honored, and grateful."

Celi McCorkle was honored for her pioneerism in tourism.

Ingrid Sanchez, Martin Goldberg and Blanca Narvaez of Xanadu. Xanadu was honored alongside Hamanasi and Chaa Creek for their Green Globe Certification and Eco-friendly efforts.


    It was a night to honor a variety of people in the tourism industry for their numerous accomplishments, and on Thursday, June 10, 2010, tourism stakeholders, nominees and invited guests convened to the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza for the 10th annual National Tourism Awards. The BTB Tourism Awards honors men, women and businesses that promote hospitality service excellence, and encourages newer products and higher standards. MC's for the night were William Neal and Gwen Nu�ez Gonzalez, who introduced the first order of business: a beautiful rendition of the Belizean National Anthem by Forrestt Phillips, followed by the invocation by Father Oliver Smalls. Director of the BTB (Belize Tourism Board), Ms. Seleni Matus, officially welcomed everyone, stating that it was time to honor people who have raised the bar in excellence and helped to improve Belize's mark in the global marketplace.

    Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture Manuel Heredia Jr. further emphasized how going the extra mile helps visitors experience what it means to be Belizean. Encounter after encounter, visitors are always treated with the best service, and so, time has to be taken to celebrate the accomplishment of a job well done. The first order of business was a touching and fitting tribute to Mr. Wilfred Peters by Mr. Rene Villanueva Sr. Belize lost its Belizean Brukdown Icon on Wednesday, June 9, and it was only fitting that Mista Peetaz, one of the Three Kings of Belizean music, be honored with a moment of silence. Also apropos was the first award for the night, Cultural Award of the Year: "Three Kings of Belize". The film by Katia Paradis is a documentary of the three musicians who have held pivotal roles in Belizean music: Florencio Mes, Paul Nabor and Mr. Wilfred Peters.

    San Pedro had a total of seven nominees, and on Thursday night, four were finalists. Of those four, Blue Water Grill brought home the prize for Restaurant of the Year. With a great variety of dishes, unique offerings and excellent service, Blue Water Grill was a hit with voters. Owner Kelly McDermott-Kanabar was pleased to accept the award while accompanied by staff members, whom she thanked for their hard work and dedication. While Xanadu was nominated for Hotel of the Year, Jaguar Reef Lodge took home the prize. There was a special prize in store for them however, as BTB took the time to give special recognition to the three resorts who are Green Globe certified. Alongside Chaa Creek Lodge and Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort, Xanadu received a special plaque for their efforts at going green. Manager Martin Goldberg took the opportunity to encourage "everyone to make a difference."

    The huge award for the night was the Lifetime Achievement Award, once which tourism pioneer and the all around fabulous Celi McCorkle brought home! She was recognized for her hard work and dedication to the tourism industry, having started the Holiday Hotel in June, 1965 as a small inn that catered to travelers, mostly fishermen, who came in by boat to Ambergris Caye. Between her hard work, brains and business sense, she and her husband John Greif Jr. managed to bring flights to the island (now known as Tropic Air) and a new era of tourism began. To date, The Holiday Hotel is a landmark resort that caters to visitors, with many repeat customers who, year after year, keep coming back for more. Congratulations to Ms. Celi Nu�ez-McCorkle, on your well-deserved award.

    The full list of winners is as follows: Cultural Award of the Year: Three Kings of Belize; Frontline Person of the Year: Benjamin Awe (Chaa Creek); Tour Guide of the Year: Eloy Quevas (Monkey River Retreat); Small Vendor of the Year: Tutti Frutti Ice Gelateria; Restaurant of the Year: Blue Water Grill (San Pedro); Receptive Service of the Year: Museum of Belize; Environmental Organization of the Year: International Center for Responsible Tourism (ICRT - Belize); Small Hotel of the Year: The Lodge at Big Falls; Tour Operator of the Year: Caves Branch Adventure Company; Hotel of the Year: Jaguar Reef Lodge; Destination of the Year: Hopkins, Stann Creek; Minister's Award: Brian Young Sr.; Lifetime Achievement Award: Celi McCorkle, Holiday Hotel.

    The San Pedro Sun wishes to acknowledge the BTB on their innovative strategy at this year's awards. There were new features in the awards location which included an internet kiosk for those wishing to update fans, friends and family of their win, plus live-streaming of the show for the world to see, and a separate media room where the media was able to interview winners uninterrupted by the ceremonies. In keeping up with technology and the fast-paced technological world, it was especially helpful to have a venue to keep the news going.

San Pedro Sun

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