Caribbean Tourism Organization Honors Top Sustainable Tourism Projects at 12th Annual Conference in Bermuda
BARBADOS – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will host the 12th Annual Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC-12) April 3 -6, 2011 in Bermuda. The theme for this year’s conference is “Keeping the Right Balance: Rising Above the Numbers” which addresses a variety of crucial issues such as understanding the next generation of experiential travelers and developing strategies to combine profitability and sustainability in the midst of the new green economy.
CTO is calling on the region’s standout sustainable tourism projects of the year to enter the 2011 TravelMole – CTO Caribbean Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Awards. The awards recognize individuals, organizations or companies from CTO Member Countries that have developed a unique and attractive tourism product which embraces sustainable tourism values and helps enhance the country’s tourism product offerings. Winners will be invited to present their project at STC-12 (prize includes airfare and accommodation). The nomination form is available on the conference website. Entries must be submitted no later than Friday, March 18.
In conjunction with the Bermuda Department of Tourism and industry partners, CTO announces an exciting program which includes panel discussions, workshops and presentations from leading tourism experts such as:
– Strategies for Sustainability Success
– How Sustainability Can Transform the Travel Experience
– Reducing the Risk, Raising the Return: Building – Your Sustainable Tourism Plan
– The Power of Partnerships
– Save the Planet, Save Your Money: Cutting Costs Through Responsible Resource Use
– The Sustainability Report Card: How to Communicate Best Practices
The conference will offer delegates an opportunity to experience Bermuda’s rich history, culture and beauty through study tours to popular attractions like the UNESCO World Heritage town of St. George and the Royal Naval Dockyard area. Delegates can also participate in the Stakeholder Speakout Session which provides an opportunity to discuss critical issues regarding the sustainability of Bermuda’s tourism industry. In celebration of the International Year of Youth and International Year of Biodiversity, CTO will give special recognition to the role of Caribbean youth in tourism sustainability during a special session.
STC-12 features a keynote address by National Geographic Traveler editor-at-large Costas Christ, who played a vital role in first defining the term eco-tourism. His address, entitled “Global Sustainable Tourism Trends: How Sustainability is Transforming the World of Travel” will delve in to the evolution of sustainable tourism and its impact on destinations like the Caribbean.
“This year’s conference will encourage the Caribbean to breathe new life into its commitment to strategically develop the tourism industry in a sustainable manner,” said CTO Secretary General and CEO Hugh Riley. “Our hope is that STC-12 will inspire the entire region to continue its efforts in responsible resource use and overall sustainable tourism practices.”
STC-12 is part of the information dissemination and regional awareness component of CTO’s Strategy for Sustainable Tourism. It looks at how member states can design and implement sustainable tourism policies and programs, offering a regional forum for information exchange on the successes and pitfalls of national, regional and international initiatives.
