Kingston, Jamaica – As Jamaica, like many other countries, seeks to introduce more environmentally friendly and cost effective energy solutions players in the tourism sector will focus their attention on the issue of sustainable energy as the destination observes World Tourism Day, September 27, 2012. The day’s observation is being spearheaded by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), of which Jamaica is a longstanding member.
World Tourism Day 2012 is being celebrated under the theme ‘Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development’, and forms part of the UNWTO’s effort to focus the world’s attention on advancing the goals of the 2012 “International Year of Sustainable Energy for All”, outlined by the organization.
For its part the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment will highlight the tourism sector’s role in powering a brighter future for the nation by encouraging increased use of and access to modern, efficient and sustainable energy sources. In observance of World Tourism Day 2012, Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, the Hon Dr. Wykeham McNeill, State Minister for Tourism and Entertainment the Hon. Damion Crawford, tourism partners and other Ministry and government officials will tour the Eco-Village at Sandals Montego Bay to view the alternative energy facilities there.
Dr. McNeill will then address tourism partners during a special Commemorative Luncheon, organized by the Ministry. The luncheon will entail technical presentations by tourism partners including Sandals Resorts International and the Jamaica Public Service, which will highlight sustainable energy initiatives introduced by such entities.
In underscoring the importance of this year’s theme Minister McNeill said “it is appropriate that this year’s theme allows us to reflect on the impact of sustainable energy. As a sector whose survival relies on the maintenance of a healthy environment, it is imperative that tourism dependent countries like Jamaica pay keen attention to this pressing issue.
Minister McNeill underscored that tourism remains one of the main drivers of the economy and emphasized that “the tourism sector is especially well-placed to promote the use of sustainable energy and environmental conservation as Jamaica seeks to foster economic growth while reducing the impact of climate change through prudent energy practices. We are encouraged to explore the use of alternative energy sources, in our collective efforts towards the future sustainability of the tourism industry.”
Commenting on the various initiatives undertaken by the players within the tourism sector to integrate sustainable energy use in their operations, the Minister said “it is commendable that members in the tourism sector have been blazing the trail by taking important steps towards improving their energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy solutions in their operations.”
2012 marks the 32nd year that World Tourism Day is being celebrated internationally. The day is aimed at raising global awareness of the role of tourism within the international community and to demonstrate how tourism affects social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide.
