Michael Simmons accepted his Outstanding Performance Award from the representatives of Magnum Belize Tours.

(L-R) Maria Gannon, Gaylene Smith, Amy Leiva, Kaleh Lehmann, Vivienne Acosta, Kathleen Blacknik, Lynn Skinner, Lorrainne Herrera, Cheryl Chivers (representatives for Magnum Belize Tours and Belize Tourism Board).

    This year however, was highly different in the presentation of the award, as in the past two years, awardees were honored in the presence of a couple of Magnum's staff, a representative of The San Pedro Sun and perhaps a co-worker of the winner. On Friday, June 13th, 2008, Banana Beach was the host of the first ever Magnum's familiarization tour. Fifteen resorts, a local airline and eleven US travel agents convened at El Divino for a Belizean Breakfast Seminar. Belizean because all talk was about Belize, about making presentations on each resort in order to give agents a closer look at the resorts available around the country. Each representative presented photos and videos, as well as a walk through their rooms, restaurants, spas, beaches, rivers and amenities available from north, south, east and west in Belize.

    An interview with the ladies from Magnum revealed that their Minnesota office was closed for the first time in 14 years to make this Fam Tour a reality. "We have always had Christmas parties as do many companies. However, for our Christmas party we did it a bit bigger. We invited various travel agents whom we have the honor to work with. Included a few resorts into the mix and the fact that we wanted to be in San Pedro to celebrate Lobster Fest, it all seemed like a wonderful idea," commented Kaleh Lehmann. Lobster Fest has become an attraction for San Pedro Town, but the girls were highly enthusiastic to be a part of the event especially to root for local Minnesota band, the Fat Cats. As to how the awards came to fruition, she stated, "Magnum is the biggest wholesaler of Belize, bar none. In order to do that we speak with many individuals on a daily basis, we correspond via email, via fax and the resorts and people that we work with really make us look good. We wanted a way to give back to them and that is how we came up with the award. Nominees are cast among all the women that work at our offices, and we all make the decision of who should take the prize."

    Simmons, winner of the 2008 award stated that it was a complete surprise when he was honored with it, "unexpected, completely unexpected," he said. Simmons works for the Blancaneaux Resorts which include Blancaneaux Lodge in Mountain Pine Ride, San Ignacio in the Cayo District, Turtle Inn in Placencia and La Lancha in Guatemala. He has been working for Francis Ford Coppola, owner of the Resorts, for the past eight years and loves the satisfaction that comes with helping guests enjoy their Belizean experience. "It is great to know that you contribute in making someone have an unforgettable Belizean experience," he proudly said. Blancaneaux has been highly acclaimed for their quality of service, authenticity, natural beauty, attention to detail and friendly demeanor, and Simmons is proud to be a part of it all.

    Resorts present for the seminar were Banana Beach Resort, Tropic Air, Ramon's Village, Parrot's Cove, Inn at Robert's Grove, Placencia Hotel, Chabil Mar Villas, Radisson Fort George, Five Sisters Lodge, The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Windy Hill Resort, Best Western Belize Biltmore, Sunbreeze Hotel and Sunbreeze Suites, Xanadu Island Resort and Blancaneaux Resorts.

    Manager for The Lodge at Chaa Creek Mike Coreen, believes that the Magnum Breakfast was highly important for all resorts that were present, "we have been working with Magnum for the past twenty five years and our relationship has always been excellent. These kinds of events are wonderful because it brings US agents in close contact with Belizean resorts. As Belize and various distinct resorts, we are not competing with other resorts but we have to understand that now we are competing in the world market. Belize in a whole needs to be attractive and Magnum sells us extraordinarily well. Keep the guests coming!" she added.

    Travel Agent Fran Bloom works at the Sentinel Travel in Highland Park, Illinois. Bloom sells Belize packages and adventures to many travelers who instantly fall in love with the country. She has been a travel agent for the past eighteen years but had never been to Belize. "I know of Belize through the various conversation I carry out with the many resorts, however now that I am here I know exactly why they return year after year." According to Bloom, the many adventurers that flock to our shores are attracted to the water sports, especially the diving. "These people are water enthusiasts; they love the ability to be in the Caribbean Sea in the morning and enjoying the rainforest within the afternoon."

       Present for the event, knowing that it did hold a huge importance in the Belizean tourism industry were representative of the Belize Tourism Board. Marketing Officer Lorraine Herrera commented that their board recognizes the importance of Fam Tours. Their presence at Banana Beach is due to the fact that Magnum is considered Priority Wholesalers, meaning they sell close to 90% of the tours and accommodations within the country. "Magnum is the first contact guests get when beginning to experience Belize. They are professional and their quality of service is exceptional," stated Herrera about Magnum.

    During their visit, Magnum and travel agents had a site inspection at Victoria House where they had the opportunity to tour the compound, had snorkel trips on Belize Barrier Reef, and had mainland ruin tours that brought them closer to the Mayan civilization.

    "I can honestly say that this tour, this year's award presentation was a wonderful success. See you all for the award ceremony next year," ended Kaleh Lehmann. 2007 winner was Ada Guerrero of Tropic Air and 2006 was Franco from Banyan Bay.