National Tourism Awards sponsored by the Belize Tourism Board in
collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism recognized those individuals
and organizations who have made outstanding contributions and played a
significant role in the industry. Celebrating the end of Tourism Week,
(March 20 - 26) the ceremony was held at the House of Culture in Belize
City.
Master of Ceremonies Rene Villanueva introduced the
All Star Band who played the National Anthem and entertained at intervals
during the program on their wonderful steel drums. Minister of Tourism,
Honorable Mark Espat then addressed the crowd, reiterating the industry's
dedication and the theme driving them all, "Tourism Means
Business".
The event of the evening was the Minister's Award
recognizing the individual or organization that has made an outstanding
contribution to the development of tourism in Belize. This award went
proudly to the island's very own Celi McCorkle, owner of San Pedro
Holiday Hotel. Called a "pioneer" in the industry, Ms. McCorkle was
present for her award and accepted it proudly from Minister Espat,
exclaiming "I thank the Belize Tourism Board and everyone involved in
putting together this special night of recognition, awards and
entertainment. I would like to thank my children for their help and
sacrifice throughout the years and to my staff and entire family.
Thirty-five years ago when I first opened the San Pedro Holiday Hotel, I
would have never dreamed that a "Caye girl" would be receiving this
prestigious award."
Ms. McCorkle told the San Pedro Sun
that she feels very humble and honored to have received
this award. She continued by saying that if it were not for the many
people that helped her along the way this would not have been possible.
She feels happy that this award was given to someone in San Pedro where
tourism was born. We congratulate Ms. Celi McCorkle for this deserving
award and end with the words of Minister Espat, "It is a privilege to
give this award to a special lady from humble beginnings, Ms. Celi
McCorkle."
The "Year Awards" category included "Tour
Guide of the Year" given to David Vernon of Toadal Adventures in
Placencia; "Tour Operator of the Year" won by Sarita and Lascelle Tillett
of S&L Tours in Belize City; and Lamanai Outpost Lodge, operated by
Mark and Monique Howell of Orange Walk Town was awarded "Hotel of the
Year".
The "Partnership Awards" category targeted tourism's
transportation operators such as water taxis, ground taxis, domestic
airlines, car rentals, etc. The "Receptive Service of the Year" award was
granted to Mr. Leo Batty of Batty's Bus Service. "Educational
Organization of the Year" was presented to Sacred Heart College of San
Ignacio in the Cayo District. "Environmental Organization of the Year"
was awarded to Will Mejia of TIDE in the Toledo District and Maria Vega
of the Caye Caulker Chapter of the BTIA. The "Corporate Organization of
the Year" award was given to Mr. Richard Harrison of Big H (sponsor of
"La Ruta Maya River Challenge"). Between presentations the crowd was
entertained by the lovely performances of the Belize Dance Company.
In a very touching part of the program, Chairperson of
the Belize Tourism Board, Ms. Therese Rath, paid tribute to the tourism
efforts of the late Jean Shaw. She ended the Special Recognition
presentation stating, "Belize is a better place thanks to Jean Shaw," to
which those gathered heartily agreed.
The official ceremony came to an end with the vote of
thanks given by the President of the Belize Tourism Industry Association,
Ida Saucedo.