Where does the time go? Hard to believe it has already been 2 years since the last Belize Tourism Expo. The popular travel trade show is coming up next week. This year’s event runs from from May 7th – 9th, 2014, and will take place at the Princess Hotel and Casino in Belize City.

BETEX is a is a business oriented travel industry trade show featuring information on Belize travel destinations, accommodations, tour companies, and other tourism service providers. The Belize Tourism Expo provides an exclusive meet and greet opportunity for international traveler re-sellers to network and conduct business with local Belize travel suppliers. It also allows for them to learn more about the country and experience what this popular travel destination is like first hand, in order to help people when they are selling Belize vacation packages.

I know this is very important from personal experience. When my mom was coming to visit and we were going over her travel itinerary, I learned her travel agent had her booked on a Tropic Air flight two hours after she had landed Philip Goldson International Airport. I emailed her back and let her know that was too long and the recommended time to clear customs and be ready to hop on a puddle jumper. It was clear the Toronto based woman was thinking of a Miami sized airport. Anyone who has passed through the international airport, or done their research, would have the correct information and be able to guide someone in booking their trip to Ambergris Caye, Belize. That experience illustrates why BETEX is an important and useful resource to giving travel industry people a chance to gain first hand knowledge of the country of Belize and it’s travel related businesses.

The first two days registered agents and exhibitors will mix and mingle participating in workshops, cultural events, and receptions. Optional 3 night post FAM tours with site inspections are also available. Pricing is: $199 US for 2 nights and travel trade show, or $399 US with additional post FAM Tour. Visit BETEX website to register or get more information on the 3 great post tour itineraries and Belize Travel.

A little bit of show history: The Belize Tourism Expo (BETEX) is an initiative of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), Belize’s leading national private sector tourism association. BTIA represents a unified voice, and advocates for issues that benefit it’s members. BTIA also influences tourism policy, legislation, and marketing for the sustainable development of the industry and improved quality of the visitor experience. BETEX was first organized in 1996 and takes place biennially, attracting approximately 300 – 350 local and international tourism professionals and press representatives.

Behind all events there are many people that help make it happen. Belize Tourism Expo 2014 has some great sponsors: The Belize Tourism Board , Tropic Air, The Princess Hotel Belize, Maya Island Air, Smart, Belize Bank Limited, Channel Broadcasting Cable, Bonnier Corporation and Destinations by JaxFax Magazine. This year’s key supporters are Travellers Rum and Belikin Beer.

To learn more about BETEX sponsors and key supporters please visit the Belize Tourism Expo Sponsors and Partners page.

To learn more about the travel show you can: visit the Belize Tourism Expo website, like Belize Tourism Expo (BETEX) Facebook page or contact the organizers at info@betex.bz

A break from the meeting – picture courtesy of Belize Tourism Expo Facebook page.

Post Tour at Ka’ana Boutique Resort – picture courtesy of Joanna Evans and BETEX Facebook page.

Saying goodbye after a successful event. See you soon – picture courtesy of Belize Tourism Expo Facebook page.

Register now for BETEX 2014 – picture courtesy of Belize Tourism Expo Facebook page.

BETEX 2014 pricing and dates – picture courtesy of Belize Tourism Expo Facebook page.