By CTO
NEW YORK, USA – The Caribbean Tourism Organization Foundation (CTO Foundation), the scholarship arm of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), is highlighting the achievements and regional contribution of Belizean hospitality professional Ian Adrian Nal, a certified sommelier, award-winning beverage professional and entrepreneur.
Nal was the second recipient of the Audrey Palmer Hawks Memorial Scholarship, awarded through the CTO. The scholarship enabled him to study at The Hotel School at Cornell University, establishing a foundation for his distinguished career in hospitality, food and beverage, and tourism.
Following his studies, Nal worked at the CTO headquarters in New York City and later at Travel + Leisure magazine. His career included senior beverage leadership positions with Chef Richard Sandoval’s restaurant group, Michelin- starred Chef Terrance Brennan’s Artisanal, and the renowned Oak Room at The Plaza Hotel.
Nal has been a certified sommelier with the American Sommelier Association since 2001, earning the highest score on his final examination. He has created wine lists recognised with Wine Spectator Awards, earned recognition in national wine and cocktail competitions, and was featured in The New York Times Dining section. He also holds the Level 1 Certificate from the Court of Master Sommeliers.
Recognised as the first person from the Caribbean Community to be certified as a sommelier since 2001, Nal is now using his expertise to give back to the region and expand access to professional wine education.
Most recently, Nal conducted two Wine Sommelier Training sessions in Belize, one in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and another in Belize City, in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) through its Elevate Training Institute.
The sessions served restaurant and bar staY, bartenders and mixologists, managers and supervisors, and wine enthusiasts. Participants explored grape cultivation, winemaking, grape varieties and wine styles, wine tasting, local food pairing, and proper wine service and hospitality.
“My goal is simple: to make wine easy to understand, fun to explore, and powerful in creating memorable experiences,” Nal said.
Nal hopes to expand wine and beverage training throughout the Caribbean through partnerships with public and private sector organisations, strengthening hospitality professionals and supporting the region’s luxury lifestyle sector.
Lloyd Enriquez, director of Cruise and Capacity Development at the Belize Tourism Board, said wine education is an important part of strengthening Belize’s tourism workforce and product.
“Wine knowledge is an important component of elevating the overall guest experience and strengthening the skills of our tourism workforce. Having a Belizean professional of Ian Nal’s caliber lead this training is especially meaningful. It demonstrates that we have local talent with international expertise who can help build capacity here at home and serve as an example for others throughout the Caribbean.”
CTO Foundation chairwoman Jacqueline Johnson said Nal’s journey demonstrates the lasting value of investing in Caribbean talent.
“Ian Nal’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when we invest in the education and potential of Caribbean people. His journey from CTO Foundation scholarship recipient to an internationally recognised hospitality professional, and now a mentor and educator giving back to the region, embodies the spirit of the Foundation. We are proud to see his expertise being shared with the next generation of Caribbean tourism professionals.”
The management of Larimar Seafood and Steakhouse welcomed the San Pedro training as an invaluable professional development opportunity. “This wine training was an incredible experience for our team, and it was inspiring to hear our staY say they learned so much about wine and service that they had never known before. That knowledge will help them provide an even better experience for our guests.”
Proprietor Ruben Muñoz thanked Nal for returning to Belize and sharing his expertise, calling his commitment to giving back to Belize “truly commendable.” He also recognised the Belize Tourism Board for investing in hospitality professional development.
The CTO Foundation views Nal’s journey as an example of the impact investment in Caribbean tourism professionals can have. From receiving the Audrey Palmer Hawks Memorial Scholarship to building an internationally recognised career and returning to the region to share his knowledge, Nal demonstrates how educational opportunities can create a cycle of achievement, mentorship and regional development.
The CTO Foundation remains committed to supporting the education and professional development of Caribbean nationals and strengthening the people at the heart of the region’s tourism industry.