Its “Easy as 1, 2, 3” messaging informing audiences of the steps to visit was revamped with a new simplified infographic. Recent updates such as proof of vaccinations as a form of entry was also incorporated in the destination’s messaging.
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Broadcast opportunities continue to be a key marketing strategy as they are built not only to entertain but to also promote.
Wheel of Fortune, with a reach of more than 10.6 million+ viewers per episode, promoted the destination and our partnering property Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge, as one of the Shows grand prizes. Wheel of Fortune is one of America’s longest-running, syndicated game shows; the coverage yielded an ad value of $100,000+ with an ROI of 10:1, and included 15+ seconds of verbal mention/description complete with gorgeous b-roll. Please click HERE to view the downloadable segment via Dropbox.
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The “Exhale” campaign continued throughout our marketing and paid support initiatives, highlighting Belize as the perfect romance spot. |
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Top Stories
February’s top stories resulting from proactive pitching and direct media contact included:
USA
“Countries which are the safest to visit” – USA Today – see HERE
“Everything you need to know about travel in 2021” – Outside Magazine – see HERE
“9 Romantic destinations to dream about this Valentine’s Day” – The Points Guy see HERE
“7 New hotels with Opening Dates” – The Points Guy – see HERE
Europe
“21 Countries to visit in 2021 ” – A Luxury Travel Blog – see HERE
“Belize for a deep dive into paradise” – Northern Ireland Travel News – see HERE
“Discover Maya Ruins in Central America” – Travel Begins at 40 – see HERE
“Trips of a LifeTime” – In News – see HERE
Germany and France also earned 9 placements on Mayan and Garifuna culture, the Great Blue Hole, Belize as an ethical destination and the coolest remote hotels.
Canada
“Dreamy Destination on a Plate” - Zoomer Magazine— see HERE
“The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift Guide” – Notable Life — see HERE
“About Belize” - DRIFT Magazine— see HERE
“Incredibly Socially Distant Locations” - Travel & Style — see HERE
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Ministerial Destination Visits
In February, the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Anthony Mahler, continued his Ministerial Destination visits. Visits have now been concluded in the North islands and Southeast Coast, and we thank our tourism stakeholders for the invaluable insight they provided. Destination visits will continue as we push ahead with the industry’s rebounding efforts.
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Congratulations to all our industry partners who have achieved Gold Standard (GS) certification! 544 properties and more than 60% (273) of tour operators have been certified. 29 tourism sites, transportation providers, gift shops and restaurants have aligned their operations with the program thus providing guests with a safe experience while in Belize.
Gold Standard entities continue to be highlighted via social media; here are a few examples:
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All GS entities will also now be able to utilize the WTTC Safe Travels stamp for marketing. If you are a GS property and have not received the communication and marketing collateral for the Safe Travels Stamp, please contact pr@belizetourismboard.org
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ADVENTURE TRAVEL NETWORK—Feb 4-5
Adventure Travel Networking (ATN) Virtual Conference & Marketplace was held on February 4-5, 2021; this unique event provided a perfect platform for the tourism board to meet with UK adventure tour operators in the adventure Niche and learn firsthand the most pressing issues affecting the adventure travel sector. The supplier/buyer marketplace took place on the first day where exhibitors attended pre-scheduled 15-minute meetings with UK product buyers. Based on recent feedback there is an appetite amongst tour operators to meet with Tourist Boards, DMCs and providers of unique accommodation, product and experiences. From our meetings, it was clear tour operators are using this period to merge their product portfolios and identify new and exciting destinations to offer to their clients. We met with seven operators throughout the event and six of these, Wildfoot Travel, Much Better Adventures, Ramblers Holidays, HF Holidays, Not in the Guidebooks and Macs Adventure, do not presently feature Belize, but are looking to expand their product offering for 2022/23 and are keen to include Belize as a destination.
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CARIBBEAN VIRTUAL ROADSHOW - LUXURY & ROMANCE—Feb 9
As part of its series of virtual road shows that focused on specific Niche Markets, the CTO rolled out the Luxury & Romance edition; the event is in line with one of our primary niche markets—romance. Participation in CTO Virtual Roadshows places Belize at the forefront of attending travel professionals. 132 Travel advisor registered for the event.
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BHA & BTB TASC TAKEOVER –Feb 16 -24
Belize participated in an interactive Facebook takeover hosted by the BHA with Travel Advisors Selling the Caribbean (TASC). The event featured activities showcasing Belize to the TASC network of 7,000+ Travel Advisors who specialize in the Caribbean. Two discussion sessions were conducted: 1) Belize Travel Specialist and its benefits to Travel Advisors and 2) the WTTC Safe Travels and Gold Standard Program. Advisors addressed questions regarding the safety protocols involved in arriving and departing the country. Belize also participated in the sunset and cocktail chit chat on the last day of the event.
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Here are a few posts from our Social Media platforms: |
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Share & Earn
What’s new in your neck of the woods - a tour, new cooking class at your property, an expansion? If you’re Gold Standard, let us know at industryrelations@belizetourismboard.org and we’ll share your good news with our international media and trade partners to earn coverage for you.
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More Live Instagram Inspections are coming up soon!!
Gold Standard certified and interested in showcasing your property? Send us an email today.
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Become a Belize Travel Specialist!
The Belize Travel Specialist Program offers travel advisors well-rounded knowledge of Belize as a travel destination. Benefits of the Belize Travel Specialist Program include:
- priority consideration for familiarization trips;
- recognition on TravelBelize.org where visitors can search for qualified Specialist agents in their area;
- invitations to attend exclusive events;
- printable diploma certifying your status as an official Belize Travel Agent Specialist; and
- a wide range of marketing tools and resources to help promote and sell Belize.
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Be a Part of Our Online Travel Agent Community!
Belize Travel Advisors & Friends is a private Facebook Group where Travel Advisors can interact with Belize Suppliers. Learn about the positive things happening in Belize amidst the pandemic and share personal experiences about Belize. Be sociable and share with other Advisors.
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Belizean Traveller & Belizebooking.com
As COVID continues to challenge the travel industry, domestic travel is more important than ever. We encourage you to join the Belizean Traveller campaign and promote your ‘Belizean’ rates and packages on Belizebooking.com
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In our next edition: The Exhale Gamification launch
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