Over 10,000 votes were cast for the San Pedro Tourism Awards 2024, that were held over the weekend at La Sanpedrana Restaurant, Holiday Hotel, where nine “Island Stars” were honored with there prestigious recognition. On its third year now, the San Pedro Tourism Awards is an annual celebration recognizing the exceptional contributions to tourism on Ambergris Caye, Belize’s top travel destination.
Established by the San Pedro Town Council, the awards aim to highlight local businesses, individuals, and organizations that may be overlooked at the national level awards. The event honors those who play a pivotal role in making San Pedro a premier tourist spot known for its natural beauty, culture, and unique experiences.
The awards emphasize sustainable tourism practices, encouraging environmental responsibility and innovation within the industry. Categories like Best Hotel, Outstanding Restaurant, and Best Tour Operator showcase the diverse strengths of the tourism sector. The San Pedro Tourism Awards fosters community collaboration, aiming to inspire excellence and enhance the overall visitor experience on the island.
“This distinguished event not only aims to celebrate the successes of those who have excelled in their fields but also seeks to inspire a collective effort in furthering our region’s tourism initiatives. We believe that by recognizing the achievements of those within our community, we can motivate others to strive for excellence and innovation in their operations.
In line with our goals of promoting tourism on Ambergris Caye, we will also emphasize the necessity of sustainable practices and responsible tourism in the nominations. This approach not only reflects our commitment to preserving the natural environment of our island but also addresses the growing trend among travelers who prioritize sustainability when choosing their vacation destinations.” – Mayor Wally Nunez
This year there were nine total categories as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Ramon’s Village Resort’s General Manager Einer Gomez a hospitality industry veteran who has contributed endlessly to the growth of tourism in the country, including having been Chairman of the Board Directors of the Belize Tourism Board.
“Being the recipient of this prestigious award takes me back to the road that got me here. Many mentors, many friends made along the way, many sacrifices, lots of learning. To everyone along that learning road, Thank you. I owe this award to this, My, community; to this Island that I love so much and believes in me. I’d be no one without my beloved San Pedro.
Yes, I get to keep this award but the weight that it carries reflects every single person, that helped me to achieve my goals. For this I will be forever grateful.
My Family and my community has made me who I am today. And while this may seem like it’s time to retire, it’s not so, I owe a lot to my community and will keep giving back, there is always a way us as individuals can help, we all need to do our part. I will continue to do mine.” – Einer Gomez
Tourism Awards Honorees 2024
Hotel of the Year – Pelican Reef Villas (Other nominees – Ramon’s Village Resort, Sunbreeze Hotel)
Small Hotel of the Year – Playa de Sala (Other nominees – Aqua Vista Beachfront Suites, Seven Seas Resort)
Front Office Person of the Year – Tula Ayuso, Ocean Tide Beach Resort (Other nominees – Vanessa Rivera, Sunbreeze Suites; Manuel Garcia, Indigo Resort)
Restaurant of the Year – Blue Water Grill (Other nominees – Caliente Restaurant, Angler’s Seafood House)
Tour Operator of the Year – Xsite Belize Sailing & Adventures (Other nominees – Wicked Adventures of Belize, Fishing King Belize)
Dive Shop of the Year – Ramon’s Village Dive Shop (Other nominees – TnT Dive Pros, Belize Diving Adventures)
Bartender of the Year – Eddz Ramirez, Hol Chan Villas (Other nominees – Gian Chan, Elvi’s Kitchen: Melvin Cobb, Playa de Sala)
Local Eatery of the Year – Island Eats by Sherlz (Other nominees – Sweet Tutz & Delight, The Alibi)
Tour Guide of the Year – Nestor Cerpa (Other nominees – Antonio V. Blanco, Eugene Bul)
Lifetime Achievement Award – Einer Gomez Sr., Ramon’s Village Resort (Represented by his Family)
Other Recognitions
* Managers of the Year – Alex Eck & Lorena Bardalez
* Female Employee of the Year – Jaqueline Eiley
* Male Employee of the Year – Armin Badillo (not present)
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