BTB’s Elevate Training Institute Certifies 10 New Hospitality Trainers to Strengthen Belize’s Tourism Workforce

Belize City, Belize, Wednesday, July 23, 2025—The Belize Tourism Board (BTB), through its rebranded capacity-building arm, the Elevate Training Institute (ETI), proudly announces the successful completion of its inaugural Train-the-Trainer Program, officially certifying 10 new hospitality trainers to deliver internationally recognized training programs in hospitality and lodging.

This achievement was made possible through a partnership with the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and a strong collaboration with strategic partner institutions, including the Cayo Centre for Employment Training, Stann Creek ITVET, Toledo Community College, San Pedro High School, and the University of Belize.

The program featured a robust curriculum including a Belize 101 course, AHLEI’s START (Skills, Tasks, and Results Training) programs, Guest Service Gold, and its Certified Hospitality Trainer certification. After successfully completing all components, the following individuals are now officially certified to deliver training under ETI:

• Berwick Busano
• Tanigi Palacio
• Orissa Castillo
• Melissa Aldana
• Shirlene Casimiro 
• Frank Hachmann
• Magdalena Sosa
• Hugo Panti
• Minelli Romero
• Juan Vega

With certified trainers now stationed within key educational and training institutions and available for customized training requests, Belizeans will have greater access to three entry-level, AHLEI-certified programs:

1. Certified Front Desk Representative
2. Certified Restaurant Server
3. Certified Guestroom Attendant

Through these institutions and the broader ETI network, interested individuals can enroll in these programs to begin or enhance their careers in tourism. Additionally, BTB invites industry partners to collaborate with ETI to deliver on-site customized training led by our certified professionals.

To mark this important milestone, a brief handover ceremony was held today at the Belize Tourism Board, where Lloyd Enriquez, Director of Cruise and Capacity Development, formally presented each trainer with their certificate of completion. Also in attendance were Varsha Clarke Martinez, Cruise & Capacity Development Manager; Vanessa Jacobs-Morey, Capacity Building Specialist; and Cuauhtemoc Novello, Managing Director for the Caribbean and Latin America at AHLEI, who joined the event virtually.

For more information or to schedule a training session, contact: [email protected].