Belize Hotel Association Hosts 2nd Annual Trade Show  

Today, the Belize Hotel Association hosted its second annual allied trade show.  This event is an opportunity for members of the association to come together to network and share information about the goods and services they offer, as well as promotions for members and non-members alike. Earlier today, News Five’s Britney Gordon stopped by the Caribbean Motors showroom for more information. Here’s the story.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Belize is eight thousand, eight hundred and ninety-six square miles, but across the tiny country, there are approximately eight-hundred and thirty-two hotels and accommodations. Of that number, only seven percent, or sixty-one of those hotels belong to the BHA. Today, the association hosted its second annual trade show to bring these members together.  Membership and Services Coordinator Keisha Reyes, provides more details.

 

Keisha Reyes, Membership & Services Coordinator, BHA

“We have thirty-eight of our members, they are all businesses here in Belize and we have one of our allied international who is also here. And the main focus for this trade show is to have them network with themselves as well as other persons from outside the association. So they have some booths, they have information, some have goods, some have services.  They’re all here on display for everyone to take advantage of.”

 

The Belize Hotel Association is a non-profit organization that works to sustainably grow the tourism industry in the country. Aside from the hotels, there are sixty other businesses that make up the membership. Christine Tun, of Belize Commercial Laundry and Linen, says that the company has been a member for three years and the show allows them to introduce the towels and linens that they offer to the hotel industry.

 

Christine Tun, Belize Commercial Laundry and Linen

“We’ve been a member of this association for about three years. And the trade show is a great opportunity for members and non-members alike and all those in the hotel industry to know about our services, which is providing commercial laundry services to hotels, resorts, vacation hotels, Airbnbs. We’re able to make life really easy and simplified by not having to worry about that. We take the load of laundry off of you.”

 

Another business that contributes to the tourism industry is the T-Shirt Factory Belize. As September Celebrations are underway, the company is here to showcase a variety of products offered to Belizeans and tourists. Manager and designer Ritisha Hohenkirk says that they could not miss the opportunity to participate.

 

Ritisha Hohenkirk, Manger, T-shirt Factory Belize

“We are a part of BHA. We’re very heavily involved with the tourism sector. We do a lot of gift shop items, t-shirts as well souvenir stuff. We did actually decide it would be a great opportunity for us to come out here. We thought that we can get our brand out more.,I mean people do know T-Shirt Factory, but, some people might not be aware. And also, people can’t mak it to the store, so we brought the store to them.”

 

It is Hohenkirk’s first year participating in the trade show, but she is already seeing the benefits of her participation.

 

Ritisha Hohenkirk

“And I feel like there are some, I like members here that probably didn’t know about tshirt before and so know us being here, they can introduce themselves, we can introduce ourselves as well and create a connection.”

 

Celia Humes and her family are among the first visitors to stop by. Humes says that she’s glad they made the trip.

 

Britney Gordon

“What made you come down and decide to see what’s going on at the show today?”

 

Cecilia Humes, Customer

“Well I got an invite from Belize Hotel Association.”

 

Britney Gordon

“And are you usually interested in things like this? How has it met your expectations so far? Are you satisfied with what you’re seeing?”

 

Cecilia Humes

“It’s been great so far. There’s a lot really interesting things and I’m going to…”

 

Britney Gordon

“Make use of them?”

 

Cecila Humes

“Yes, make use of them.”

 

Britney Gordon

“Is this your first time attending the show?”

 

Cecila Humes

“Yes, this is my first time.”

 

In only two years the event has grown significantly, a trend that the Belize Hotel Association believes will continue.

 

Keisha Reyes

“It will be just as worth it because last year we have a lot of our members say to us that, we got some great connections, we were able to connect with members and non-members that they, weren’t expecting to be connected with. So this year they asked us to do it a little bigger, so of course we came to a bigger venue. And of course, they’re here, everything that they could take advantage of, whether you’re a business or not, you can come.  So the feedback last year compared to this year, I believe it will be even better.”

 

Britney Gordon for News Five.