BTB HOSTS 2ND B.O.O.M. FORUM UNDER THE THEME: A DIP INTO THE FUTURE

Belize City, Belize, April 21, 2023: Representatives of the tourism sector converged at the Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City today to participate in the Building On Our Momentum (B.O.O.M.) Forum hosted by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB).

The Forum is BTB’s annual signature conference with the aim to share major achievements, opportunities, and the future outlook for Belize’s tourism industry. Approximately 300 persons representing a wide-cross section of hoteliers, tour operators, educators, and industry partners from across Belize attended. The event was held under the theme, A DIP INTO THE FUTURE, and included presentations from top industry experts highlighting key marketing strategies in Belize’s major markets, artificial intelligence, tourism trends, sustainability, training, and human resources.

Presentations were made by guest presenter, Kieran Sweeney, Al Consultant, who spoke on Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Belize; Development Counsellors International (DCI) presented Canada’s 2023/24 Outlook for Belize; Geatriz Barreal, Founder, CEO & Chair of Sustainable Rivera Maya, presented on Utilizing Sustainable Practices as a Marketing Tool; FINN Partners, BTB’s PR Agency for the European Market (UK, Germany and France), presented Europe’s 2023/24 Outlook for Belize; Curtis Zimmerman delved into Forward Thinking for Retaining Employees; Dana Cody, Director of Data Science at ADT Partners, presented on the Future of Belize Tourism using the Power of Al; BTB’s Director of Quality Management & Capacity Development, Abil Catañeda, informed the audience on BTB’s strategic efforts at improving Belize’s tourism product through training, and the Zimmerman Agency, BTB’s PR Agency for the US Market, presented the US 2023/24 Outlook for Belize.

In his Welcome Remarks to participants, the Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations,highlightned the industry’s strong rebound, continued growth, and challenged industry stakeholders to use the tools and information shared to update and re-examine their marketing strategies. He remarked that, “By using our resources in unison, we can be very effective in marketing Belize. Technology gives us an opportunity to compete with big budget destinations.” Director of Marketing and Communications, Mrs. Michelle Bowers-Flowers, highlighted the integral role that industry stakeholders and partners played in making 2022 a great year for tourism in Belize.

We take this opportunity to thank the sponsors for this year’s B.O.O.M. Forum Cocktail Reception— Travellers Liquors, Belikin, and Madisco.

The BTB’s mission is to collaborate with partners and stakeholders in executing innovative strategies to market, develop and enhance Belize’s tourism products. It is also committed to keep stakeholders abreast on new trends and developments within the industry and to foster the sustainable, socio-economic growth of Belize’s tourism for everyone to enjoy.

For more information, please contact the BTB at 227-2420 or via email at [email protected].