By Aaron Humes: The Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports, and Diaspora Relations, alongside the Belize Tourism Board, has condemned derogatory remarks made by a licensed tour guide towards a visitor. Officials have emphasized the need for professionalism and respect in the tourism sector, stating that such behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect the values of Belize, a nation known for its warmth and hospitality.
The controversy erupted after a licensed guide made inappropriate comments online directed at Olivia Yace, Miss Universe Cote d’Ivoire, prompting immediate action from the Tour Guide Committee, which has been notified to conduct a disciplinary review. A BTB statement said, “The Tour Guide Committee has been notified and will address this matter in accordance with the regulations, including any appropriate disciplinary action. Belize is a warm and welcoming nation, and this behavior does not reflect how we receive our guests. Our licensed tour guides are professionals who are held in high regard and play an important role in representing our country. The actions of this one individual do not define the standard of the many who uphold these values every day.”
Belize’s beauty is not only in its landscapes but also in its diverse cultural tapestry—a sentiment echoed by Miss Universe Belize, Isabella Zabaneh. She expressed her disappointment while standing alongside her colleague: “It was simply disappointment, especially coming from a tour guide. And what people did not realize is while it was racist towards one of us, it was racist towards the both of us. I was identified as a tourist and I won’t even mention what she was identified as. And just the frustration of knowing that somebody in Belize who I have represented would say such a thing was a big frustration and disappointment for me, especially since I’ve spoken and been so vocal about the issue before.”
In contrast, Yace shared her positive experience in Belize, stating that she refuses to let one negative incident overshadow the kindness she has received from the local population. “I love Belize I’ve had an amazing welcome the people here are so nice so you can’t base an experience on one person or on one bad thing that happened. So I’m still very happy to be here and I’m still very excited,” she remarked. She was supporting Zabaneh’s Project Royalty Initiative, meeting 25 young women for a special talk at the Belize City Council Conference Room.
The tour guide at the center of the controversy, Alexander Mes, has expressed regret over his comments, attributing them to personal issues and the influence of alcohol at the time, adding that he felt overwhelmed by the backlash he received after the incident. Mes acknowledged to Channel 7 News that while he did not intend to insult anyone, his choice of words was wrong and has caused significant concern about his career in the tourism industry, which spans over 11 years: “I don’t think so, it shouldn’t be the way because if you notice, other different crimes it also have pardon and stuff like that so with just one comment I did, I should say, it’s you know people could understand because one comment is just a comment and then I do ask for apology.”
The post Belize Tourism Board condemns derogatory comments by tour guide against pageant queen visitor appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Aaron Humes: The Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports, and Diaspora Relations, alongside the Belize Tourism Board, has condemned derogatory remarks made by a licensed tour guide towards a visitor. Officials have emphasized the need for professionalism and respect in the tourism sector, stating that such behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect the values
The post Belize Tourism Board condemns derogatory comments by tour guide against pageant queen visitor appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
