Belize has made waves in the conference tourism industry. Visitors from North America have begun flocking to this Caribbean island’s lush tropical beauty and exciting adventures. As Belize’s economy grows, it also needs to diversify its business offerings. In fact, one in every seven jobs in Belize is tourism-related, making it a key element of the country’s economic growth and success. For a little over a decade, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has been working on a two-year plan to market Belize as a top conference tourism destination.
Marketing
Belize’s conference tourism industry is one of its greatest assets. From natural wonders and culture to beauty and diversity, tourists flock to this Central American nation in search of paradise. Thanks to a flourishing hospitality sector and international recognition, this industry looks set for further success in Belize.
Conference tourism has been an essential factor in Belize’s economic development and diversification, so it is imperative that the government takes steps to promote and attract more visitors – conference calls are an ideal and cost-effective solution for doing this.
As globalization increases, countries must find creative and cutting-edge ways of marketing their products to compete with others in the market. While in the past many businesses relied on traditional forms of promotion like brochures or newspaper ads for promotion purposes, today businesses can leverage online tools like webinars and virtual meetings to connect with customers around the globe and increase sales. Belizean businesses can utilize such resources to reach out to target markets more easily and increase sales.
Belize’s services industry accounts for a considerable proportion of its economy and employment opportunities, and the government recognizes this by creating various programs to support it – including a tax incentive program for hoteliers who employ local entertainers at their establishments, and a cultural exchange program with Trinidad and Tobago that aims to further develop local entertainment industry.
Belize can utilize its services sector as an avenue to diversify its economy and attract foreign investments, creating an intrepid and innovative economy while creating jobs in this sector. Investment should be prioritized to ensure Belize remains a preferred business destination; creating an environment in which businesses thrive is also integral for the success of this sector.
Travel Agency Coordination
As the global economy attempts to recover from the recession, travel agencies have responded by working closely with tourism industries in Belize to promote future vacations. Museums offer virtual tours while hotels are offering more detailed trip planning capabilities to their guests than ever before – all of which provide people with ways to escape “cabin fever”.
Belize, located along Central America’s eastern Caribbean coast, provides an unforgettable combination of tropical beaches and grand adventures. Belize’s natural environment is its primary draw, while vibrant cultures and untamed wildlife add vibrancy and make this top international travel destination highly prized by travelers of all types.
In late 2009, a private development group with apparent links to Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines made an application directly to Belize’s Ministry of Tourism and Prime Minister for approval of a cruise port in Placencia in southern Belize. This proposal caused widespread public outrage due to its exclusivist and concentrated nature – all features that can lead to widespread public mistrust across much of Southeast Asia.
Seatone Consultants subsequently collaborated with the Belize Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism to organize structured public consultation meetings in Placencia and nearby villages, giving citizens an opportunity to express their sentiments and concerns regarding proposed cruise developments, their implications for southern Belize community development and whether a majority opposed establishing a cruise port there. Key findings were confirmed through these meetings which confirmed key findings from one-on-one stakeholder interviews as well as that most local residents strongly opposed its establishment in Placencia.
Landscape Assessment and Capacity (LAC) studies provide an effective means of visitor management and sustainable development at sensitive natural sites and tourist attractions. LAC analyses help determine recreational carrying capacities at such attractions that can then be managed for environmental protection, and social, and economic benefits for both visitors and the local community.
Due to the results of their public consultation process, the Belize Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism have increased efforts to promote and develop conference tourism in a way that maximizes its contribution to sustainable development. This involves revamping tour guide training requirements in order to equip this important segment of the industry with adequate skills in managing visiting cruise passengers effectively; and also creating peer exchange opportunities between tour operators from different countries who share experiences in managing large numbers of visitors while offering quality services; as well as increasing conference tourism promotions efforts throughout Belize.
Customer Engagement
Tourism and hospitality businesses in Belize need to leverage a range of online marketing strategies in order to remain competitive, such as search engine optimization, user engagement metrics, content marketing, and local language strategies in their digital campaigns. By including local culture and language into these campaigns, tourism and hospitality businesses will create more authentic content that builds trust between their target market and them – and create brand loyalty as well.
Belize boasts both natural beauty and vibrant cultural life, from festivals and celebrations to exploring Mayan temples or learning pottery making, there’s something special waiting to be experienced in this Central American gem. Plus its warm climate, beautiful beaches and rich cultural scene make for an excellent vacation destination!
But this tropical paradise offers so much more. Hike through its rainforest or learn to dive at one of its world-class dive sites; kayak along Belize Barrier Reef or go on wildlife viewing tours for even more adventures!
Belize can be navigated in many different ways, from driving on its wavy and bumpy roads to biking through Belmopan’s capital city. November through April are ideal months to visit, with temperatures at their warmest yet driest; prices also tend to be more economical than during high-season travel periods.
Belize boasts an active arts scene, boasting theaters, galleries, and music venues with everything from classical opera to reggae music and beyond. Belize City serves as a center for these activities with museums, dance schools, and performance venues offering something for every artistic taste imaginable.
The Belize International Music and Food Festival is a special two-day festival designed to highlight Belize’s vibrant musical scene and delicious cuisine. Held from July 30-31st at Saca Chispas Field in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, it will showcase international and local musical artists as well as acclaimed chefs in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye for two full days. There will also be traditional Belizean dishes as well as modern Latin beats.
