Belizean hospitality professional Ian Adrian Nal is putting his international experience back to work in the Caribbean, using his expertise in wine and beverage service to help strengthen the region’s tourism workforce.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization Foundation (CTO Foundation), the scholarship arm of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, is highlighting Nal’s journey from scholarship recipient to certified sommelier, award-winning beverage professional, and entrepreneur.
CTO said via press release that Nal was the second recipient of the Audrey Palmer Hawks Memorial Scholarship, which allowed him to study at The Hotel School at Cornell University. That opportunity helped lay the groundwork for a career spanning hospitality, food and beverage, and tourism.
After completing his studies, Nal worked at the CTO headquarters in New York City and later at Travel + Leisure magazine. He went on to hold senior beverage positions with Chef Richard Sandoval’s restaurant group, Michelin-starred Chef Terrance Brennan’s Artisanal, and the Oak Room at The Plaza Hotel.
According to the release, Nal has been a certified sommelier with the American Sommelier Association since 2001, when he achieved the highest score on his final examination. He has developed wine lists that received Wine Spectator Awards, competed successfully in national wine and cocktail competitions and was featured in The New York Times Dining section. He also holds a Level 1 Certificate from the Court of Master Sommeliers.
The CTO Foundation recognizes Nal as the first person from the Caribbean Community to become certified as a sommelier, and he is now focused on sharing that knowledge across the region.
Most recently, he reportedly delivered two Wine Sommelier Training sessions in Belize, one in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and another in Belize City. The training was conducted in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) through its Elevate Training Institute.
The release said that restaurant and bar staff, bartenders and mixologists, managers, supervisors and wine enthusiasts took part. The sessions covered grape cultivation, winemaking, grape varieties and wine styles, tasting techniques, local food pairing, 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.
He hopes to expand wine and beverage training across the Caribbean through partnerships with public and private sector organizations, with the aim of 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 the training is an important investment in Belize’s tourism workforce.
“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 career reflects the long-term impact 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 recognized 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 also welcomed the San Pedro training as a valuable professional development opportunity, as per the release.
“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, describing his commitment to giving back to Belize as “truly commendable.” He also praised the Belize Tourism Board for supporting hospitality professional development.
For the CTO Foundation, Nal’s experience shows how investment in Caribbean tourism professionals can create a cycle of education, achievement, mentorship and regional development.
The Foundation said it remains committed to supporting the education and professional development of Caribbean nationals while strengthening the people at the heart of the region’s tourism industry.
The sommelier can be contacted through his website: LiquidAssetsBeverage.com.
