The Caribbean island of Dominica has become the first country ever to receive benchmark designation from the prestigious eco-tourism organization, Green Globe 21.

We are extremely proud to be a leader in the promotion and development of sustainable tourism, not just in the Caribbean but globally, stated the Hon. Charles Savarin, Dominica`s Minister of Tourism. Not only does this designation from Green Globe 21 underscore our commitment to sustainable tourism, it helps us further position Dominica as a world class eco-destination. In addition, the benefits to the island in terms of protecting its natural beauty and environment as well as reducing costs and attracting more visitors are immeasurable.

In addition to the national designation, five hotels on Dominica have also achieved successful benchmarking status from Green Globe 21. They include 3 Rivers Eco-Lodge, Tamarind Tree Hotel, Garraway Hotel, Fort Young Hotel and the Hummingbird Inn.

Green Globe 21 requires all of its 442 total participating operations and communities to be independently assessed and certified annually by independent auditors to ensure their compliance with Green Globe 21`s standards. The participating companies and communities must meet those standards in 9 key performance areas, such as energy consumption, solid waste production, social commitment, resource conservation, sustainability policy and more.

Developed by the World Travel & Tourism Council and established in 1994, Green Globe 21 is the global benchmarking, certification and improvement system for sustainable travel and tourism. It is based on Agenda 21 and principles for sustainable development endorsed by 182 heads of state at the United Nations Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit and provides companies, communities and consumers with a path to sustainable tourism. As of 2004, there are participants on all continents and in approximately 50 countries worldwide.