Belize City, 16 Oct.2006 -- Belize had a distinct presence in Caracas, Venezuela at the region's 2nd Annual International Tourism Fair during October 4th – October 8th, 2006.  The Belize Tourism Board, in partnership with a delegation comprising of various tourism private sector organizations, had the opportunity to represent Belize at FITCAR 2006.

FITCAR, Caracas's International Tourism Fair, is a forum created to promote tourism worldwide as a tool for economic development, social progress and a better understanding among nations. The business approach of the event is based on the multi-sector structure of the tourism industry, from which a platform is built for full promotion and commercialization of tourism destinations, products, services, brands and technology, as well as exchange of knowledge, education and information related to the tourism industry.

FITCAR is marketed as the meeting place for nations of the world, diverse cultures and pioneering business, where exhibitors, visitors and authorities create the appropriate framework to guarantee the growth of a sustainable tourism and the endogenous development of the communities.

As one of the 126 countries invited by the Ministry of Tourism of Venezuela, Belize was given the opportunity to participate as International Visitors at the round table negotiations where we had the chance to meet with other international visitors and develop business alliance.  Belize also had a booth in the international pavilion at which we displayed brochures and sensitized the Venezuelan consumers and other international visitors of the diversity of the Belize tourism product.

 "Our attendance at FITCAR was productive as it is a part of our strategic plan to develop new markets for Belize as well as reinforce Belize's potential as a premiere vacation destination in the region," commented Director of Tourism, Mrs. Tracy Panton.

Representatives of the various private sector organizations included Mr. Peter Tonti Jr. representing the Cayo Destination, Ms. Donna Perera representing the Belize Hotel Association, Mrs. Cecilia Flowers representing the Belize National Tour Operator Association, Ms. Maria Vega representing the Caye Caulker and San Pedro destinations, and Mrs. Sarita Tillett and Gale Malic representing the Belize Tourism Board.

For more information on events taking place in Belize's tourism industry, please contact the Marketing Department at the Belize Tourism Board at 223-1913, via email: btbb@btl.net or visit our website www.travelbelize.org.