In 2010, the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) has partnered with Green Globe Certification to provide all Caribbean travel and tourism businesses a combined membership that will greatly assist the delivery of sustainable business practices; environmental training; energy auditing and saving; and the delivery of corporate, social responsibility initiatives; among many other programs to be announced throughout the year.

CAST chairman, Sir Royston O. Hopkin, K.C.M.G., said: “CAST is dedicated to assisting all Caribbean businesses and destinations to become truly sustainable in their everyday operations. We are pleased to welcome Green Globe on to our governing council bringing their 15 years of experience in assisting businesses achieve better environmental and social outcomes.

"The Caribbean is renowned as one of the 'greenest' tourism destinations in the world and has more Green Globe-certified businesses than anywhere else. It needs to be understood, however, that many other tourism regions have come to understand the benefits of being green, both in cost savings and attracting new markets, as well as preserving natural assets and supporting vibrant communities."

CAST has partnered with Green Globe because of the program’s long-standing commitment to “green" travel and tourism and their wealth of expertise and local representation throughout the Caribbean. Businesses in the Caribbean are encouraged to take up CAST Green Globe membership so that they may immediately benefit from the information and expertise available, and most importantly maintain the Caribbean as the greenest, most sustainable region on our planet.

Green Globe Certification CEO, Mr. Guido Bauer said: “The combined CAST Green Globe membership will directly contribute a percentage of all fees to help CAST deliver its sustainability services throughout the region. Just as importantly, businesses taking up this membership will immediately have access to the Green Globe program allowing them to understand the specific principles and practices that will qualify them as sustainable to the highest internationally accepted standard."

Green Globe Certification

Green Globe Certification is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally-accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe Certification is based in California, USA, and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe is the only certification brand to be an affiliate member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), is partly owned by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), and a member of the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) governing council.