Belize Tourism Board Appointed new Director of Tourism

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is excited to introduce its new Director of Tourism. Expected to assume her post in April of 2010, Seleni Matus brings more than 10 years of experience in leading large-scale initiatives that have helped to mainstream sustainable tourism principles into key sectors of the tourism industry.

Matus, a born Belizean, spent the last several years in the U.S. and will be transferring back to her homeland to step in after former Director of Tourism Mrs. Tracy Panton’s 12-year reign. Under Matus’ new leadership, the BTB will continue to generate global awareness of Belize as a premier Caribbean/Central American adventure and nature tourism destination.

Matus brings a wealth of experience in tourism to the BTB, having worked in various capacities with Conservation International’s (CI) Center for Environmental Leadership in Business and its Ecotourism Department.

At CI, Matus worked throughout Mexico and Central America to engage members of the private sector and governments to implement destination-level sustainable management plans and programs; in particular, for the cruise and hotel sectors, which have enhanced the quality of tourism products offered and helped to ensure the long-term health of natural ecosystems.

In addition, Matus developed a wide range of tourism planning and supply chain management tools, and provided capacity-building and technical assistance to CI’s country programs throughout Latin America.

Matus’ professional experience is deeply grounded in Belize, where she guided the development and implementation of the country’s national tour guide training and certification program.

Additionally, Matus managed Program for Belize, a leading conservation organization, tour operation and tourism facilities. Matus was also instrumental in the establishment of the Mesoamerican Ecotourism Alliance (Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico), serving as a founding member and its first president.

Matus holds a Masters Degree in Corporate Strategy and Governance from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom and a Bachelor’s Degree in Personnel Management from Viterbo College in the U.S.