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Introduction

The Government of Belize has received counterpart funding from the European Union via the Belize Rural Development Program II (BRDP II) to finance a project entitled “Making Tourism Benefit Communities Adjacent to Archaeological Sites:” Co-financing for the project is being provided by the Government of Belize through the Ministry of Tourism and Culture represented by the Belize Tourism Board and the National Institute of Culture and History. The project is being implemented by the Belize Tourism Board and the National Institute of Culture and History through a Project Execution Unit housed at the Belize Tourism Board offices.  The objectives of the project are:

  • ·         To improve economic opportunities in rural communities and contribute to the reduction of poverty;
  • ·         To enhance the tourism experience through improvements in tourism infrastructure and services at selected sites.

The project intends to achieve three main sets of results:

  • ·         Results One: Improve the monitoring systems at archaeological sites;
  • ·         Results Two: Improve health and safety provisions and infrastructure at archaeological sites;
  • ·         Results Three: Enhance the diversification of community based tourism products and services offered at archaeological sites in Belize.

The Project targets communities adjacent to the following nine archaeological sites:

  1. 1.      Xunantunich
  2. 2.      Barton Creek
  3. 3.      Actun Tunichil Muknal
  4. 4.      Nohoch Che’en
  5. 5.      Altun Ha
  6. 6.      Lamanai
  7. 7.      Nim Li Punit
  8. 8.      Lubaantun
  9. Blue Creek

Scope of Work

The Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the Belize Tourism Board and the National Institute of Culture and History now intends to apply a part of the proceeds of the project funds to address Result 3 of the Project “Diversification of Community Based Tourism Products and Services”. This action will fund activities for capacity development and training for local artisans from communities adjacent to the nine archaeological sites listed above.  

Activities to be achieved via this consultancy include:

 (1) Rapid assessment of products being sold at or near the sites;

(2) Development of a product development model for local artisans;

(3) Establishment of a proper product certification system, including a brand scheme.

(4) Providing technical assistance to build the capacity of local artisans in business development, as well as integration into local and possibly international value chains.

 

Qualifications

Interested parties should possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in tourism enterprise development, tourism/marketing management or cultural business development. A graduate degree is preferable. Experience in working with rural artisans and conducting training in cultural tourism product development in Belize or the Caribbean would be a distinct asset.

Expression of Interest

Interested parties (individuals or firms) are asked to submit a letter expressing their interest, experience, and qualifications to undertake the project. Shortlisted parties will then be sent a complete Terms of Reference (TOR) and asked to submit a technical and financial proposal.  Only parties originating from European Union (EU) Member States and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries are eligible to apply.

Please address Expression of Interest to:

Patrick Tillett

Finance Officer

Making Tourism Benefit Communities Adjacent to Archaeological Sites

Email:  patrick.tillett@brdpIItourism.bz

 

Expressions of Interest must be received by July 30th 2013.