Tourism businesses around the world are becoming increasingly aware that preserving the environment, natural resources and cultural heritage of the destinations they promote is not only …
Tourism businesses around the world are becoming increasingly aware that preserving the environment, natural resources and cultural heritage of the destinations they promote is not only necessary for the good of future generations, but also essential to the very survival of the tourism industry-and their own businesses. The initiative of the UK Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and the European-based Tour Operators Initiative (TOI) to review their Code of Conduct in order to require from all their hotel suppliers to actively preserve adjacent natural ecosystems and enhance community livelihood, shows this is much more than a passing fad. In the Caribbean, where tourism depends so heavily on the beauty of nature-pristine beaches, unspoiled rainforests, quiet caves, colorful coral reefs, etc. is what people expect when traveling to the region-increasing numbers of hotels and resorts are engaging in environmentally-conscious practices.
Since last year, 19 new Caribbean properties have successfully obtained the coveted and demanding Green Globe 21 certification, elevating the number of Caribbean certified properties to 67-a whooping 35% increase since last January. In addition, Dominica became the first country in the world to be Green Globe 21 Benchmarked, a landmark for the Caribbean destination. In order to promote the success of these properties and encourage travelers to favor `green` properties, the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) produced a brochure featuring all Green Globe certified and benchmarked properties in the Caribbean.
This brochure will be largely distributed to travel agents and tour operators at international events, such as Caribbean Marketplace, FITUR in Spain, and the World Travel Market in London, where it was already distributed last November.
We practice green standards because we believe it is the correct way to do business… and a responsibility we have-not to take more than we give from our beautiful island destination, for future generations… proudly says Susan Biemans, sales and marketing manager at Bucuti Beach Resort in Aruba, a multiple award-winning property[i]. Meanwhile, best environmental practices, including the installation of solar panels, water saving devices, and the implementation of recycling programs for instance, allow considerable savings on a property`s operational costs. Within the first two years of implementing an efficient environmental management system, the return on investment can reach twice the initial costs, says Deirdre Shurland, Director of CAST, the Caribbean Hotel Association`s environmental subsidiary.
To summarize, there are three major reasons why a business should implement environmental and responsible practices: responsibility towards one`s environment and future generations; considerable cost savings; and the third one is marketing.
There is an increasing number of environmentally-conscious travellers willing to pay extra for unique vacation experience at unspoilt destinations. The brochure produced by CAST is aimed at assisting Green Globe certified and benchmarked hotels tapping into this marketing potential.
The 19 properties to obtain a Green Globe 21 certification in 2004 are:
- Dickenson Bay cottages, Antigua & Barbuda
- Trade Winds Hotel, Antigua & Barbuda
- Manchebo Beach Resort, Aruba
- Costa Linda Beach Resort, Aruba
- Allamanda Beach Hotel, Barbados
- Hotel PomMarine, Barbados
- Rainbow Reef Beach Hotel, Barbados
- Lions Dive & Beach Resort, Curacao
- 3 Rivers Eco Lodge, Dominica
- Ft. Young Hotel, Dominica
- Hummingbird Inn, Dominica
- Tamarind Tree Hotel & Restaurant, Dominica
- Sunscape Casa del Mar, Dominican Republic
- Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada
- Royal Plantation Spa & Golf Resort, Jamaica
- Ocean Terrace Inn, St Kitts & Nevis
- Bay Gardens Hotel, St Lucia
- The Village Inn & Spa at Rodney Bay, St Lucia
- Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa, Turks & Caicos
[i] Bucuti Beach Resort was the winner of the CHA/American Express Green Hotel of the Year Award in 2003, and was awarded the International Hotel and Restaurant Association Environmental Award last November for its innovation in environmental best practice. In addition, the property has been Green Globe certified for three consecutive years, and is ISO 14001 certified.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
