World Tourism Day Message by The Hon. John Maginley, MP, Chairman, Caribbean Tourism Organization
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Message by The Hon. John Maginley, MP Chairman, Caribbean Tourism Organization on World Tourism Day –
September 27, 2010:
The Caribbean Tourism Organization is pleased to join the global community in observing World Tourism Day. We are excited that the World Tourism Organization is focusing attention on the importance, benefits and sustainability of plant and animal life by choosing “Tourism and Biodiversity” as the theme for this year’s observance.
The CTO sees the protection of the planet’s species and habitats as a critical element of sustainable tourism development and extremely important to the Caribbean region. After all, it is our natural diversity, including the thousands of species of flora and fauna that makes the Caribbean so appealing.
The Caribbean has demonstrated vast improvements in making environmental efforts a top priority among our partners in the public and private sectors, as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs). We at the Caribbean Tourism Organization have made it our duty not only to educate our region about sustainability, but to inspire the necessary actions that must be taken in the interest of our citizens.
Our Sustainable Tourism Conference, the 12th edition of which will be held in Bermuda from 3-6 April 2011, is one important example of this commitment.
Another example is our active involvement in the Caribbean Hotel Energy Efficiency Action (CHENACT) programme – a project which aims to help the Caribbean hotel sector move towards energy efficiency and to develop renewable energy sources.
We have united our local population with our tourism industry and have in so doing helped to enhance the Caribbean way of life for everyone. The estimated 20 plus billion dollars a year that tourism injects into our economies continues to improve education for our children, provide jobs to the local community and help fund environmental efforts.
We have maintained our focus in making it a primary concern to develop sustainable tourism, and are proud to lead by example and spread the word to create a better, more beautiful tomorrow.
Even as we observe World Tourism Day today, the global tourism industry continues to encounter possibly the toughest period it has ever experienced. But the Caribbean’s natural assets are strong and our people resilient. Together we remain steadfast in our commitment to make the Caribbean the world’s most desirable tourism destination.
