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The BTIA a broad-based tourism umbrella organization that seeks to bring together tourism related interests to meet the challenges of a dynamic and growing tourism industry in Belize.

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Who We Are

Belize Tourism Industry Association

We Are Belize’s Largest Private Sector Tourism Organization

The BTIA a broad-based tourism umbrella organization that seeks to bring together tourism related interests to meet the challenges of a dynamic and growing tourism industry in Belize.

Today, the association has representation on almost every tourism related government, legislative, advisory, consultative and licensing committee, which in itself is proof of its continued commitment to national development.

BTIA also plays an important role in the linkage of the private and public sectors. As a direct consequence of BTIA’s initiatives, in particular its advocacy efforts, tourism has become one of Belize’s largest industries and constitutes an estimated 40% of the nation’s GDP..

The BTIA is governed by a President and a Board of Directors, the management of everyday operations is conducted by the Executive Director and the Secretariat.

Vision

A national membership association which actively represents the interests of its members for the benefit and sustainable development of Belize.

Mission

Provide a range of member benefits and serve as a unified industry voice, influencing tourism policy, legislation and marketing for the sustainable development of the tourism industry of Belize.

Goals & Objectives

BTIA’s main strategic objective is to advocate on behalf of its members for the benefit of the tourism industry by influencing the outcomes of public policy and resource allocation decisions by the government, specifically for tourism. BTIA’s Goals and Objectives include:

  • Identifying Needs and Priorities of our Members
  • Lobbying and Advocating on Key Tourism Issues
  • Promoting Sustainable Development
  • Dissemination of Tourism Related Information
  • Offering/Facilitating Training for Members
  • Setting Standards in the Industry
  • Networking
  • Assisting/Facilitating the Marketing Needs of Members
  • Advising the BTB and Ministry of Tourism on Marketing and Product Development matters
Core Principles
  • Sustainable development of tourism
  • Collaboration among sectors/ chapters of the industry
  • Consultation
  • Transparency
  • Accountability
  • Effectiveness
  • Integrity
  • Fairness
  • Flexibility
  • Code of Ethics
  • Continues to serve as the voice of the tourism industry in Belize
  • Promotes the sustainable development of local infrastructure and tourism
  • Provides a network and forum for addressing tourism related concerns
  • Endorses the growth of the tourism industry without damage to the environment
  • Represents and advocates the best interest of members and the industry.
  • Lobbies for critical issues of interest to its members and tourism in general
  • Participates in Marketing Initiatives
  • Assists members in improving their skills and services
  • Undertakes Initiatives that improve professionalism and quality of the industry
Our History

Formed on April 26, 1985 as a broad-based tourism umbrella organization, BTIA sought to bring together tourism related interests to meet the challenges of a dynamic and growing tourism industry in Belize.

In the early 1980’s tourism was of relatively little importance in Belize. Nonetheless, it was an evolving industry that was impacting various sectors. A group of individuals foresaw the importance of the industry and anticipated the need for a medium through which tourism concerns could be voiced. This group, lead by the late Mrs. Jean Shaw, conceived the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA). The association was incorporated under the laws of Belize in 1989 and has become one of Belize’s largest non-profit organizations, boasting over 200 members from Belize’s six districts. In 2006 the organization became registered under the Revised 2000 NGO Act, Chapter 315 of the Laws of Belize.

Today, the association has representation on almost every government, legislative, advisory, consultative and licensing committee, which in itself is proof of its continued commitment to national development. BTIA also plays an important role in the linkage of the private and public sectors. As a direct consequence of BTIA’s initiatives, in particular its advocacy efforts, tourism has become the fastest growing industry and has been pushed to the forefront of government’s priorities.

Our Structure

The BTIA is governed by a President and a Board of Directors, the management of everyday operations is conducted by the Executive Director and the Secretariat.

The association is guided by core values which are supported by its mission and vision. In addition to its Executive Committee of six officers (President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chapter Representative and the Immediate Past President as an ex-officio member), the association’s Board of Directors includes the chairpersons from the established ten destinations chapters countrywide: Corozal, Orange Walk, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Belmopan, Cayo, Dangriga, Hopkins, Placencia and Toledo.
The Board of Directors also includes sector representatives from: Belize Hotel Association (BHA), Association of Cruise Service Providers (ACSP), Belize National Tour Operators Association (BNTOA), and the Belize National Tour Guides Association (BNTGA).

The President and the members of the Executive Committee serve for a term of two years. Elections are held during the Annual General Meeting held in December. The Chairpersons for each of the destination chapters serve for a term of one year. Elections are held annually at the destination chapters in November of each year. The national Secretariat is located at #10 Taiwan Street in Belize City, and is managed by the Executive Director.

Our Philosophy

Vision

A national membership association which actively represents the interests of its members for the benefit and sustainable development of Belize.

Mission

Provide a range of member benefits and serve as a unified industry voice, influencing tourism policy, legislation and marketing for the sustainable development of the tourism industry of Belize.

Goals & Objectives

BTIA is an umbrella organization for the tourism industry’s private sector.  BTIA’s main strategic objective is to advocate on behalf of its members for the benefit of the tourism industry by influencing the outcomes of public policy and resource allocation decisions by the government, specifically for tourism. BTIA’s Goals and Objectives include:

  • Identifying Needs and Priorities of our Members
  • Lobbying and Advocating on Key Tourism Issues
  • Promoting Sustainable Development
  • Dissemination of Tourism Related Information
  • Offering/Facilitating Training for Members
  • Setting Standards in the Industry
  • Networking
  • Assisting/Facilitating the Marketing Needs of Members
  • Advising the BTB and Ministry of Tourism on Marketing and Product Development matters

Core Principles & Endeavors

  • Sustainable development of tourism
  • Collaboration among sectors/ chapters of the industry
  • Consultation
  • Transparency
  • Accountability
  • Effectiveness
  • Integrity
  • Fairness
  • Flexibility
  • Code of Ethics
  • Continues to serve as the voice of the tourism industry in Belize
  • Promotes the sustainable development of local infrastructure and tourism
  • Provides a network and forum for addressing tourism related concerns
  • Endorses the growth of the tourism industry without damage to the environment
  • Represents and advocates the best interest of members and the industry.
  • Lobbies for critical issues of interest to its members and tourism in general
  • Participates in Marketing Initiatives
  • Assists members in improving their skills and services
  • Undertakes Initiatives that improve professionalism and quality of the industry

Our History

Formed on April 26, 1985 as a broad-based tourism umbrella organization, BTIA sought to bring together tourism related interests to meet the challenges of a dynamic and growing tourism industry in Belize.

In the early 1980’s tourism was of relatively little importance in Belize. Nonetheless, it was an evolving industry that was impacting various sectors. A group of individuals foresaw the importance of the industry and anticipated the need for a medium through which tourism concerns could be voiced. This group, lead by the late Mrs. Jean Shaw, conceived the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA). The association was incorporated under the laws of Belize in 1989 and has become one of Belize’s largest non-profit organizations, boasting over 200 members from Belize’s six districts. In 2006 the organization became registered under the Revised 2000 NGO Act, Chapter 315 of the Laws of Belize.

Today, the association has representation on almost every government, legislative, advisory, consultative and licensing committee, which in itself is proof of its continued commitment to national development. BTIA also plays an important role in the linkage of the private and public sectors. As a direct consequence of BTIA’s initiatives, in particular its advocacy efforts, tourism has become the fastest growing industry and has been pushed to the forefront of government’s priorities.

The BTIA is governed by a President and a Board of Directors, the management of everyday operations is conducted by the Executive Director and the Secretariat.

The association is guided by core values which are supported by its mission and vision. In addition to its Executive Committee of six officers (President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chapter Representative and the Immediate Past President as an ex-officio member), the association’s Board of Directors includes the chairpersons from the established ten destinations chapters countrywide: Corozal, Orange Walk, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Belmopan, Cayo, Dangriga, Hopkins, Placencia and Toledo.
The Board of Directors also includes sector representatives from: Belize Hotel Association (BHA), Association of Cruise Service Providers (ACSP), Belize National Tour Operators Association (BNTOA), and the Belize National Tour Guides Association (BNTGA).

The President and the members of the Executive Committee serve for a term of two years. Elections are held during the Annual General Meeting held in December. The Chairpersons for each of the destination chapters serve for a term of one year. Elections are held annually at the destination chapters in November of each year. The national Secretariat is located at #10 Taiwan Street in Belize City, and is managed by the Executive Director.

Current President

Stewart Krohn   2020 – 2024

Stewart Krohn assumed the BTIA presidency at the end of 2020 at a time when the first ten months of the Covid-19 pandemic had decimated the finances of the organization, the tourism industry and Belize’s economy as a whole. With BTIA’s traditional sources of revenue either severely curtailed or eliminated completely, the president and board had no choice but to go back to the bare essentials. Our three person staff was laid off and we contracted with an independent provider for basic administrative services. The executive committee of the board was pressed into service as volunteer labor.

Approximately 200 members—despite their own hardships—saw fit to renew their memberships. This income, along with key sponsorship from the Atlantic group of companies and some timely institutional support from the Belize Tourism Board provided the basis for us to keep the institutional fires burning. With the twin goals of restoring the Industry and BTIA to financial health, the year 2021 was marked by successful advocacy efforts on a number of fronts: working with DFC and local banks to provide Covid-related financing for the industry, pushing Government for common sense pandemic policies that protect both the nation’s health and economy, and –through our representation on the BTB and various committees—working to increase visitor arrivals and the vital airlift into Belize that sustains the industry.

With the rebound of the tourism industry, BTIA has seen the hiring of an Executive Director and Administrative Assistant, reintroduction of training programs, growth in membership and a new focus on “reimagining” Belizean tourism with an eye toward greater resilience, planning and environmental stewardship.

Past Presidents

Melanie Paz
Melanie Paz

Melanie was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA on April 2nd, 1962 to Yolanda Castillo of Belize City and Phillip Gallaty of Louisiana. At the young age of six weeks, Melanie traveled with her parents to her mother’s homeland, Belize. She now manages “The Palms Ocean Front Suites” in San Pedro. As busy as she is, she still makes time for things that she loves. Melanie has always been an active person in the community: fighting for the betterment of San Pedro and for the growth and well- being of the Tourism Industry. She has been a dynamic member of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA). She has held the position of Chairperson of the Environmental Committee making the “one-way street” project a reality. Community service is not something new to her. While growing up, Melanie was actively involved in the Leos Club and Rotaract in Belize City. When Elected as President Paz said, “I have some big shoes to…Read More

Raineldo Guerrero
Raineldo Guerrero

A retired corporate executive with over 45 years of experience in Telecoms, Insurance, Construction, Port Management, Management training. Presently operating own consulting and training business RGConsultBz as well as management and business training through the Belize Institute of Management. Actively engaged in tourism and environment protection and conservation through Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) and the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT). He currently serves as the Treasurer of the Belize Tourism Industry Association.

Osmany Salas
Osmany Salas

Mr. Salas served as president for one and a half term. During his presidency and leadership he successfully hired a new Executive Director, reinvigorated the ten destination chapters including the reviving of the Belmopan and San Pedro Chapters, enhanced the marketing efforts of the association through new festivals, BETEX and also the re-branding and production of the Destination Belize. His focus also included the strengthening of public and private partnership most importantly with the Ministry of Tourism and the Belize Tourism board. He was also able to secure funding for the development and implementation of the association’s three Year Strategic Plan. His influential leadership was always one to be admired as he was  determined to work together to influence the sustainable development of the industry – one that advanced  to the contribution of tourism to ensure that our members, stakeholders and partners benefit from the enhancement of the sector.   During his last year he was officially elected as Senator representing the…Read More

Herbert Haylock
Herbert Haylock

During his presidency Mr. Haylock continued his leadership promoting the sustainable development of the Tourism Industry. Remarkably in the advocacy stage of the Service Charge issue which was initiated and spearheaded by the Belize Tourism Industry Association on behalf of its membership along with wider tourism stakeholders on March 27, 2014. The final  determination was that the income tax department agreed not to tax service charge for accommodations registered under the Belize Tourism Board service charge scheme and restaurants that that operate under the license of duly licensed accommodation properties.

James Scott
James Scott

After steering BTIA through a phase of personnel changes, he lead the association on to a path of successful international marketing and advocacy, while championing initiatives that highlight the BTIA’s responsibility toward the community and the environment as an influential, independent, NGO in Belize.

Dionne Miranda
Dionne Miranda

Dionne Miranda took office in 2008, and has continued to provide leadership for the association in a time when the global economy is faced with serious challenges, and our tourism arrivals have declined.  By closely collaborating with members countrywide, she and the current Board of Directors continue to represent membership needs and tourism stakeholder concerns throughout Belize.

Roselia Zabaneh
Roselia Zabaneh

Rosella Zabaneh joined the BTIA in 1990 with Blue Marlin Lodge and later added the Bonefish Hotel. Her active involvement in the BTIA both at the local Stann Creek destination level and the National level has brought her much recognition and respect throughout the tourism industry. She has served as the President of the Stann Creek BTIA for several terms during which time she managed to change the Dangriga waterfront and initiated the Dangriga Town Pier development project.

Lucy Fleming
Lucy Fleming

Lucy Fleming’s co founding owner of The Lodge at Chaa Creek, began her term by implementing the membership’s mandate to challenge, in the Supreme Court, the Government of Belize’s approval for the development of a cruise ship port. The result marked the first time in Belize that an association won a judicial review of a government decision. During the rest of Lucy’s tenure, the BTIA’s membership increased by 40% with significant benefits to members as she helped organise the largest ever number of training opportunities in hospitality, marketing, culinary arts and loss prevention as well as the formation of district business watch centres.

Steve Schulte
Steve Schulte

In 2002,Steven Schulte was sought after, nominated and elected as the eleventh President of the BTIA for a two year term, from 2002, thru to 2004. He is the CEO and co-owner of Tropic Air and has a vast knowledge of corporate business strategy, bringing his own business from the verge of bankruptcy to one of the most successful domestic airline carriers in Belize today. At a time when the BTIA was facing difficult times, Steven Schulte’s Presidency was seen as one that would bring hope to an association strap for cash and financially challenged.

Michael Panton
Michael Panton

Every great leader is considered great for at least one of his greatest accomplishment. In 2001, when just about everyone but a few faithful had given up on the BTIA, Michael Panton was elected as President for a one year term, inheriting a BTIA that was at the brink of bankruptcy. During his Presidency, he started the process of canceling the high debts the association found itself in and started the process of steering the BTIA back to becoming the most powerful private sector tourism organization today.

Ida Sauceda
Ida Sauceda

In 1999, Ida Sauceda took over the BTIA Presidency from Susan Fuller and held that position for two years. During those two years, she fought to keep the BTIA going at a time when the association was already starting to face declining membership and financial constraints. Ida’s successful Presidency brought about the formation of a BTIA Business Plan, the signing of a three million dollars IDB/MIF funded project for Eco-tourism training programs, and the development of ten destination brochures in collaboration with the BTB.

Susan Fuller
Susan Fuller

Susan Fuller is no stranger to the Tourism Industry. In fact, she served as President for the BTIA from 1997 thru to 1999, a solid two year term. During Susan’s Presidency, she was active with the signing of the “Lamanai Room Declaration” that was issued by the BTIA and the Belize Audubon Society. Susan also lobbied for the BTIA to be members on the board of a number of national organizations. The first BETEX show was also held under her Presidency. Susan now works at OMNI Networks in Belize City.

Godsman Ellis
Godsman Ellis

During his Presidency, he established the Belize Marine Terminal as another source of income generation for the BTIA. Also momentous in his term was the establishment of permanent house for the BTIA with the purchase of the building on North Park Street.Godsman Ellis later assumed the Presidency of the Federation of Central American Tourism Association (FEDECATUR) and started a project on the standardization of tourism Best Practices in Central America. It was also this President that started the first BTIA International Tourism Expo in Belize.

Steve Maestre
Steve Maestre

Steve Maestre was elected the sixth President of the BTIA in 1993. he is the only person to hold both the Presidency of the BTIA and Deputy Chairman of the BTB at the same time. He was one of the founding members of the BTIA and was also the first Vice President to the late Jean Shaw in 1985. Steve’s hard work and integrated approach brought the BTIA and the BTB to a close working relationship with the then BTB Chairman, Santino Castillo.

Maria Vega
Maria Vega

In 1992, she took over the Presidency from Paul Hunt and established BTIA and Belize as a key force in Regional Policy, Planning and Marketing for the Tourism Industry. Maria Vega negotiated successfully and laid the groundwork for BTIA’s most enduring income earner, the Destination Belize magazine. She also presided over a year of successful implementation of USAID assistance for Tourism Awareness, Training, Membership Services, and Organizational Development.

Paul Hunt
Paul Hunt

In 1991, the BTIA held its Annual General Meeting at the newly opened Ramada Hotel and at that meeting, and at what was considered a surprise nomination,Paul Hunt was elected as President. He served this term for one year and later got re-elected for a second term during the 1996-1997 term. Taking over from his predecessor Janet Finlayson, Paul worked alongside then Tourism Minister Glen Godfrey to host the first World Conference on Eco-Tourism in Belize hosted at the newly built Biltmore Hotel.

Janet Finlayson
Janet Finlayson

Janet Finlayson took over the Presidency from Janice Aguilar from 1990 to 1991. While she only served one term, her year of Presidency saw the introduction of the Belize Mundo Maya involvement. In fact, it was under Janet’s Presidency that the BTIA Mundo Maya Committee was formed. That same year, Belize was selected as the Mundo Maya Secretariat and a regional Mundo Maya membership directory was produced. Janet now lives in England where she manages The Garden House Hotel.

Janice Aguilar
Janice Aguilar

Janice Aguilar was elected the second President of the BTIA in 1988. During her two year Presidency, 1988 to 1990, Janet quickly picked up from the foundation laid before her be the late Jean Shaw. In 1989, BTIA was incorporated into the laws of Belize and had a signed Articles of Association and Memorandum of Understanding. In addition, it was during Janice’s Presidency that the BTIA became actively involved in country wide lectures, participated in international conferences.

Jean Shaw
Jean Shaw

The late Mrs. Jean Shaw was one of the founding members and the first President of the BTIA from 1985-1988. Being the first President, Jean Shaw worked tirelessly to bring this association to the public’s attention, both locally and internationally. Today, BTIA is recognized as the official private sector voice of the Belize tourism industry, both by the Government and the private sector. Jean Shaw is the only President who served a term of three years.