Hardworking, ambitious and persuasive are probably the three best words to describe this "island gentleman" who has made many contributions to San Pedro. Known for his wonderful personality, Gach Guerrero has aided immensely to the sustainable growth of the tourism industry of "La Isla Bonita." Having worked in the airline industry for some time, Gach saw great potential in the travel agency business and decided to go "solo" in this venture-thus the birth of Amigo Travel in 1984. Through Amigo Travel, Gach offered bookings for inland and island tours, as well as airline reservations, to accommodate the growing demands of the visiting tourists. As a "one-man show," Amigo Travel has grown to become one of the most popular travel agencies in San Pedro, thanks to the friendly disposition and knowledge of Mr. Guerrero. Additionally in 1989, he accepted the position of co-manager at local airline Island Air and has remained with the company through its merger with Maya Airways to its present status, Maya Island Air.

    Mr. Guerrero's involvement with tourism goes further than the airline business and travel agency. For many years Gach was heavily involved with the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), specifically, the San Pedro branch. Working with other businesspeople on the island, Mr. Guerrero played a crucial role in the promotion and marketing of Ambergris Caye. He and his BTIA colleagues created a promotional booklet for the island and attended numerous trade shows to aid tourism in San Pedro. In an effort to support Belize's hospitality and travel industries, Mr. Guerrero also served as a member of the National Tourism Council and most recently, the Ambergris Tourism Committee, a group dedicated to community beautification and tourism education in San Pedro. Gach has also served as Chairman of The San Pedro Foundation, a non-profit organization engaged in charitable projects geared towards higher education for San Pedro students. He is also a founding member of the Ambergris Caye Historical Museum.

    In 1996, Gach joined the San Pedro Sea & Air Festival Committee, (now Costa Maya Festival) a new approach to promoting the island. As with all of the goals Gach sets out to accomplish, he made sure his involvement with the festival was "to the max." Having displayed great energy and interest in the festival, the committee wasted no time in voting him chairperson for the next three years. In the year 2000, Gach assumed the title of Festival Manager and this year accepted the challenges of Festival Director. He gives unselfishly of his time to this annual event, even going one step further by allowing his business office at Amigo Travel to be used as festival "headquarters." Always going the extra mile to ensure Costa Maya's success Gach accepts no financial rewards, only the satisfaction that he is helping his community. Mr. Guerrero told the San Pedro Sun, "As long as I have good health and energy, I hope to continue serving my town through the Costa Maya Festival. I urge the business community to join in sponsoring this event, because it benefits everyone. I extend an invitation to all the residents and visitors to join us tonight and for the following three days of the celebration. I invite you to experience a glimpse of the rich Mundo Maya heritage that is depicted throughout the Costa Maya Festival."

    Señor Gach Guerrero is an asset to this community in his daily promotion of San Pedro as a tourist destination. He has maintained the essence of the Costa Maya Festival by perpetuating the event, keeping a positive outlook, and doing everything in his control to ensure the unity of the Mundo Maya countries. Quite possibly the best "marketing tool" for this island, Mr. Guerrero is indeed the driving force behind the Costa Maya Festival Committee. Through his spirit and devotion, Gach Guerrero is most definitely a true friend to "Our Community."