The BTIA held their 26th Annual General Meeting on December 1, 2011 at the Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina. President Jim Scott gave the opening remarks and introduced Mr. Efren Perez as the BTIA’s new Executive Director. In his address, Mr. Scott highlighted the importance to appeal to the Latin American market where great potential exists.

BTIA will launch their new website the week of December 5, 2011 which has been made more user-friendly. The previous website was targeted more towards its members; however, the new design will be more accessible for anyone browsing their website, including non-members.

A proposed membership structure was presented to BTIA members. From having over 20 categories, the new structure proposes to now have 9 categories. There will be 3 main categories with 3 sub-categories. The membership fee and benefits will vary depending on the type of membership being sought. A brief description is listed below:

  1. Individual – Student, Associate & Full Membership
  2. Business – Small ($500), Medium ($1,000) & Large ($,1500)
  3. Sponsors – Gold ($5,000), Platinum ($10,000) & Diamond ($15,000).

One of BTIA’s goals as described by President Jim Scott is to engage students and develop the capacity of young professionals across the country as they are the industry’s future. Trainings have been carried out in collaboration with the BTB to provide capacity building within the industry.

BETEX (Belize Tourism Expo) 2012 will be held from April 25-27, 2012. The proposed venue is Princess Hotel in Belize City but this has not been finalized. The BETEX committee proposes to have a centralized marketplace and post tours. Exhibitor Registration Fee is $2,000 but a 20% was being offered to BTIA members at the AGM. Further information can be obtained at www.betex.bz.

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