Message from CAST Chairman
“No Man Is an Island: Embracing Collaboration and Partnerships"
Dear CHTA and CAST Members and Supporters,
It was nearly four centuries ago that the English clergyman and poet, John Donne, first coined the phrase, "No man is an island."
His words continue to resonate today, reminding us of the profound connectivity that binds us all.
This interconnectedness isn't merely essential for our individual survival; it's fundamental to the well- being and endurance of humanity itself.
As we confront the mounting challenges before us, challenges that can sometimes appear insurmountable, it's vital that we do not succumb to feelings of overwhelm and discouragement.
Instead, we should draw strength and move on from the incremental progress we've made and the opportunities that exist to effectively address these challenges.
Our true strength lies not in isolation but in our numbers and our collective actions. Together, we can implement proven solutions for clean and efficient energy use, mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, uplift our communities, protect and enhance our natural environment, and preserve and celebrate our rich cultural heritages.
Collaboration is the cornerstone of our ability to make a positive impact. Working together, sharing solutions and challenges, and pooling our talents and resources are essential to not only shaping our local environment but also extending our influence beyond our immediate surroundings.
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and CAST have a history of advancing collaboration and partnerships, and in recognition of the challenges our industry faces, we have redoubled our commitments.
In this issue of CAST Currents, we will highlight several new partnerships that have recently been established. Our hope is that these examples will inspire more companies, tourism industry stakeholders, national hotel and tourism associations, and tourism boards and ministries across the region to renew and expand their commitments to working together on pressing issues that can affect us all.
We also invite you to share your successful partnerships with us. By sharing these experiences, we can learn from one another and collectively strengthen our efforts.
While many of our Caribbean jurisdictions may be 'islands' in geographical terms, it is abundantly clear that no individual, company, or country can afford to operate as an 'island' in today's interconnected world. Collaboration and partnerships are not just options; they are imperatives for our collecve well- being and the sustainable future of our region.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our shared mission, and I look forward to the positive impact
we will create together. Warm regards,
Kyle Mais
Chairman, Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism
Caribbean Biodiversity Fund and CAST Commit to Collaboration
Building upon several partnerships which CAST has recently formalized with organizations like The Nature Conservancy, the Global Tourism Resiliency and Crisis Management Center, and the Foundation for Environmental Education; CAST and CHTA
have entered into a partnership agreement with the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF).
The organizations have agreed to exchange and strengthen expertise in biodiversity conservation, impact mitigation, improved waste management, ecosystem restoration and adaptation to climate change within the hotel and tourism sector. The partnership will also include information sharing for collective learning, institutional strengthening and shared problem-solving.
CBF was established in 2012 to create reliable, long-term funding for conservation and sustainable development in the Caribbean region, drawing upon support regionally and through major international donors. .
“The Caribbean is listed as a biodiversity hotspot because it hosts an exceptional concentration of endemic species not found anywhere else in the world,” said Karen McDonald Gayle, CEO of CBF. “These species are severely threatened with what conservationists say are the highest extinction rates in modern history,” she continued.
The threat is growing, according to the Global Wildlife Conservation charity, which reports that more than 1,200 Caribbean species face global extinction threats, including 49% of reptiles, 75% of amphibians, and nearly 100% of surviving native land mammal species. Thousands more remain to be assessed.
A recent report by the World Travel and Tourism Council revealed that more than 80% of the value of travel and tourism goods and services is highly dependent on nature – from the demand for raw materials to the popularity of nature-based tourism. It further revealed that over 50% of the travel and tourism market share globally is driven by nature tourism and the desire to explore new environments, which is expected to grow year over year.
Commenting on the new collaboration, CHTA president Nicola Madden-Greig stated “We are advancing our members’ ability to be responsible stewards in preserving, protecting and enhancing the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region upon which the very viability and sustainability of the tourism industry and the social and economic benefits are realized.”
CAST Chairman Kyle Mais added “Our three organizations are combining our resources to mitigate the impact on the native terrestrial wildlife and plant life. CAST and CHTA look forward to working with the CBF to be a bridge between the industry, conservation, and tourism interests both locally and regionally”.
CAST Trustees and CBF representatives are working on several roll out activities to implement over the
coming year.
To learn more learn more about the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund go to www.caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org .
CHIEF Sessions Focus on Tools to Support Sound Sustainable Practices
The Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), an annual networking, education and best practice sharing event for hospitality and tourism business stakeholders will be held at the Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon from November 29 - December 1, 2023 under the theme, "A New Era of Caribbean Tourism: Balancing Tradition, Technology and Community".
CAST is assisting with organizing two sessions. “Building Blocks to Transition in the New Global Tourism Environment”, which will include representatives from the Foundation for Environmental Education, Re:wild and Fauna and Flora; the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association, CAST and the Jamaican Inn. The session will focus on:
The case to incorporate sustainable practices into your operational and marketing ethos.
Identifying resources and tools and new cost-saving technologies
Sharing basic and advanced reporting and certification programs to help businesses to become more efficient and responsible while building trust with customers and driving manageable growth
A second session will address ‘Stopping Waste and Inefficiencies: Data-Driven Decisions to Guide Your Energy and Water Use’. This will be led by Ted Vogel representing the Rocky Mountain Institute who will be joined by industry representatives focusing on assisting hotels and operators of tourism-related businesses in identifying key areas where effective monitoring can result in cost-savings and reduced consumption and changes in technology to support those efforts.
For additional information about CHIEF go to: htps://chtachief.com/
CAST and The Nature Conservancy Take Coral Reef Project to 2nd Stage
Assessment of Supportive Policy and Regulatory Framework Underway
Online Resource Portal to Support Industry Reef and Coastal Marine Management and Restoration Efforts being Developed
Building upon the industry research on coral reef management which led to the development of a joint Nature Conservancy/CHTA-CAST Guide to Coral Reef Restoration for the Tourism Sector, the United Nations Environment Programme has awarded a grant to TNC, which includes support to CHTA/CAST, to assist with efforts by the private sector to manage and protect coral reefs, mangroves, and other coastal resources. Recent research conducted by the TNC, with support from Booking.com, JetBlue and others has quantified the economic importance of healthy reef and coastal systems to the tourism sector.
The project, which commenced in August, entails conducting a detailed assessment of at least six Caribbean countries, to identify the successes and barriers to supporting greater public and private sector collaborations around reef, mangrove and coastal resource management. From that, successful efforts will be touted while barriers and challenges with recommended solutions will be advanced. Over time, CHTA/CAST hopes to see more commitments by the public and private sectors towards working
together in this area.
As part of the project, CAST is also significantly expanding the online resources it will make available to industry stakeholders to support their efforts to be effective stewards of coral reef, mangrove, and coastal resources. The new portal will also reorganize and expand the broader sustainability resources available on the revamped site. The project is expected to be completed and rolled out to the industry during the first quarter of 2024.
Bahamas ‘Mission for Mangroves’ Takes Root
Private & Public Sector Partners set to launch New Restorative Tourism Initiative
The support which Caribbean tourism stakeholders thru CHTA have provided to destinations severely impacted by natural disasters continues to bear results. The latest is a landmark ‘restorative tourism initiative’ being launched in The Bahamas, prompted by the need to restore large swaths of mangroves destroyed by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
The Mission for Mangroves Partnership, spearheaded by The Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association (BHTA) in partnership with The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF) , The Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board (GBIPB) and The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (BMOTIA), is set to launch the “Mission for Mangroves Tour”, led by specially trained Taxi Drivers who have completed a certification process which empowers them to take visitors on a special journey in environmental restoration and regeneration.
The Bahamian taxi and tour professionals; members of The Grand Bahama Taxi Union, underwent an in- depth training process to become Certified “Stewards of The Environment” (SOTES). The training process was facilitated by BPAF and Waterkeepers Bahamas, which provided key insight and information regarding the importance of mangroves, and the estuaries in which they flourish, to Grand Bahama and other islands in The Bahamas as mangroves exist as living, breathing barriers which protects against the damaging effects of storm surges and mitigates coastal erosion. Mangrove estuaries are also a key component of a healthy eco-system providing a vast variety of local marine life with a nurturing habitat in which they can grow, and flourish, and these estuaries store more carbon than land-based forests.
The Mission for Mangroves Tour advances a vision for the development of environmentally friendly, regenerative nature-based experiences, where visitors are able to actively participate in restorative efforts, leaving behind a permanent ecologically friendly 'imprint” of their visit through their engagement with local Bahamians, and other environmentally conscious stakeholders. This burgeoning segment of the visitor market is not content to solely experience Sun, Sea, and Sand, these visitors want to leave more than their “footprint in the sand”.
Through The Mission for Mangroves Tour, under the tutelage of friendly and informative Bahamian SOTE’s, guests are able to “leave behind”, a baby mangrove; a propagule, planted and nurtured in the fertile soil of Waterkeepers’ Mangrove Farm, in Grand Bahama. These propagules grow and develop under the watchful eye of Waterkeepers staff and will eventually be replanted in coastal environments which suffered significant depletion of their mangrove population from the ravages of Hurricane Dorian.
In addition to its environmental aspirations, the Mission for Mangroves project seeks to provide Bahamian entrepreneurs, with an opportunity to tap into this potentially vibrant market and earn additional revenue. An added program benefit is that it is being launched with the opportunity for guests to use a digital payment platiorm, powered by MobileAssist ® to transact with their SOTE of choice.
The Mission for Mangroves Partnership Project is supported by private, public, and non-governmental agencies, which include The Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association (BHTA), the lead organization, along with the Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board (GBIPB), the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), who provided financial support for the training of the SOTES from funds donated by members throughout the Caribbean to assist and empower hospitality professionals disadvantaged by Hurricane Dorian; The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (BMOTIA), the Grand Bahama Tourist Office, the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF), Waterkeepers Bahamas, the Grand Bahama Taxi Union, and MobileAssist®.
The Ministry of Tourism’s Grand Bahama Office will assist visitors to the island with queries and encourage them to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to help Grand Bahama meet its Climate Action goals in offseting carbon emissions and increasing the island’s resilience to climate impacts. A special website and portal will be rolled out shortly.
The Circular Economy: What’s It All About?
In the sun-kissed landscapes of our islands, a new dawn is breaking—a dawn that promises not just economic growth, but a sustainable and regenerative future. Enter the circular economy, a groundbreaking concept that is poised to transform the way the region operates, paving the way for a revolutionizing prosperity that is not only sustainable but also exhilarating.
So, what is this circular economy all about? Picture a world where waste is not an end but a new beginning. Unlike the traditional linear economy, where products are made, used, and discarded, the circular economy is a closed-loop system. It promotes the continual use, refurbishment, and recycling of materials, keeping them in circulation for as long as possible.
Now, why is this revolutionary idea especially significant for the Caribbean? Beyond our pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters lies a region that faces unique challenges, including vulnerability to climate change, a heavy dependence on imported goods, and a persistent waste management struggle. The circular economy offers a beacon of hope, addressing these challenges head-on.
One of the primary benefits is the reduction of waste. Our Caribbean, like many other regions, grapples with the environmental impacts of improper waste disposal.
Embracing circularity means minimizing the extraction of new resources, curbing pollution, and mitigating the effects of climate change. Imagine a Caribbean where beaches are free from plastic pollution, and marine life thrives in clean, healthy oceans.
Economic resilience is another jewel in the circular economy's crown. Our region’s reliance on imports otien leaves it vulnerable to global market fluctuations. By fostering local industries that emphasize recycling and resource efficiency, the circular economy empowers nations to become self-sufficient, creating jobs and boosting economic resilience.
Moreover, the circular economy nurtures innovation. Entrepreneurs and businesses in the Caribbean can tap into a wealth of opportunities by reimagining products and services with sustainability at their core. From eco-friendly tourism initiatives to innovative waste-to-energy or waste-to-treasure projects, the circular economy is a catalyst for creative solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
As a region, the Caribbean’s commitment to the circular economy must continue to gain momentum. Governments, businesses, and communities must collaborate to usher in this transformative era. Circular thinking must become ingrained in the region's ethos, symbolizing a collective effort to preserve its natural beauty and create a legacy of sustainability for future generations.
As the circular economy gains traction, it's not just a change in economic strategy; it's a paradigm shiti towards a brighter, more sustainable future. The circular economy isn't just a concept; it's an exhilarating journey towards prosperity, resilience, and a Caribbean that thrives in harmony with its breathtaking surroundings. Get ready for a revolution—the circular way!
Contributed by K. Denaye Hinds, CEO, JustaTAAD, LLC
Rise in Ocean Temperatures This Summer Stresses Caribbean Reefs
The allure of islands is often associated with vibrant coral reefs and thriving underwater sea life. What if this was under threat? We are facing a pressing environmental challenge: rising ocean temperatures. As global climate change accelerates, the Caribbean region is experiencing a significant uptick in sea surface temperatures, with profound implications for our coral reefs and our marine ecosystems which support underwater sea life. By extension, it could have a
devastating impact on a large part of our tourism industry.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) reports that over the past few decades, ocean temperatures in the Caribbean have risen due to climate change. Data confirms temperatures have been rising at a rate from 0.01℃ to 0.04℃ per year since 1982. It only takes a small increase in temperature to have serious implications for biodiversity in the region. This accelerated warming is a result of the absorption of excess greenhouse gasses by the ocean, leading to widespread coral bleaching events and loss of coral cover.
The escalating impact of climate change over the past decade has already taken a toll. The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) estimates that the Caribbean has seen a 54% loss of coral cover between 1970 and 2019; impacting a diverse range of marine species. The interconnected web of life within these ecosystems, including fish, invertebrates, and plants, is facing a decline in both abundance and diversity.
By mid-August, coral bleaching had been reported in the Bahamas, Cuba, Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia, as well as St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This is particularly devastating because some of the healthiest remaining coral reefs are in the southern Caribbean. Scientists worry they may be seeing the sixth mass bleaching of Caribbean corals since 1995 and the third within the past 12 years, and the heat is likely to continue, according to Michael Childress, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences & Environmental Conservation, Clemson University
Coral reefs are both culturally and economically important across the Caribbean basin, where an estimated 100 million people benefit from them, including 41 million people who are likely highly dependent on reefs for their food or livelihood. This being said, there is an immediate need and delicate balance to manage our livelihood and our conservation. According to resourcewatch.org, local activities such as coastal development, land- based pollution and marine pollution threaten our reefs, with overfishing being the most pervasive threat.
The past decade has seen a concerning increase in coral bleaching events within the Caribbean. Information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) states that approximately 75% of Caribbean coral reefs have experienced bleaching events since 2010. These events are directly linked to the elevation in sea surface temperatures.
Serving as a global tourism hotspot, attracting millions of visitors annually, we must manage this significant concern. With coral reef-associated tourist expenditure in the Caribbean being valued at $9.5 billion annually, ensuring responsible and sustainable tourism activities while maintaining the health of our oceans is critical. Managing and diversifying our tourism product and encouraging additional recreational activities outside of, snorkeling and diving which when not undertaken responsibly can inadvertently damage the delicate ecosystems, are key factors that we must continue to consider and implement.
Despite these alarming trends, there are response mechanisms and conservation measures that can be put in place. Marine protected areas, sustainable tourism practices, and initiatives to reduce carbon emissions are crucial components of safeguarding our coral reefs. Collaboration between local communities, governments, and international organizations is vital to implement strategies that balance economic benefits with environmental preservation. See The Nature Conservancy/CHTA-CAST Guide to Coral Reef Restoration for the Tourism Sector for more information on how you can relieve the stress on our coral reefs, such a vital resource to our Caribbean.
Contributed by K. Denaye Hinds, CEO, JustaTAAD, LLC
Profile: CAST Trustee Kevan Dean
CAST trustee Denaye Hinds reached out to fellow trustee Kevan Dean for his thoughts. Kevan is Executive Director of Engineering Services for Atlantis Paradise Island Resort and Casino, the region’s largest resort complex. He has over 30 years of experience working on energy conservation, power reliability/quality, energy accounting, and emergency preparedness which includes, fire life safety, risk and disaster management to include hurricane preparedness as well as environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives such as recycling,
Tell us how and why you became interested in sustainable matters?
When I think about it, I guess I have always been interested in Sustainable matters, even when I didn’t realize it, based on the universal definition of the term sustainability. Simply put, sustainability is meeting the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. This has always been at the foundation of my professional career which started with a focus on energy conservation and efficiency while being employed in the power utility industry. Now sustainability matters are moving more and more to the forefront as the relevant impact of climate change is seen throughout the Caribbean and really around the world. For me, a focus on sustainable matters has become more of a personal responsibility to preserving a healthy environment for the future through a variety of sustainable practices, programs and solutions which are exciting and challenging alike..
Being Executive Director of Engineering Services at Atlantis in The Bahamas, the largest resort in the Caribbean, is a huge responsibility. In your role, what are the key areas of responsibility which you have that are related to sustainability?
My role affords me the opportunity to balance my technical training with my business acumen. Sustainability in a small, medium or large operation in the global tourism industry or otherwise has to become a part of the DNA of all associates in business but is particularly vital to securing or protecting the future of the Caribbean tourism industry and small island nations. Even as a large resort, we still face some of the same challenges as small and medium resorts. I have been able to be involved with supporting our corporate commitment to preserving and protecting our ocean habitats and ecosystems and in particular in leading the charge of our recycling efforts. This is not easy in an environment that has a limited recycling infrastructure or established programs but through consistent effort, I have been intimately involved with promoting and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility for almost 2 decades through the implementation, monitoring and management of recycling programs and projects such as: Aluminum Cans, Cooking Oil, Motor Oil, Batteries, Cardboard, Scrap Metal, Green Waste, and Cardboard Recycling. While some of these initiatives are simply exporting these recyclable streams off island into the North American recycling market, we have been able to create an on island circular economy model with a few of them. To make this happen, in the early 2000’s we conducted a waste stream survey to determine how, what and where to focus our efforts as it relates to recycling. As a leader of these initiatives at Atlantis, I have worked with team members and executives as well as local and international organizations and recyclers to identify and implement recycling in some form and at some level for all of the waste streams mentioned. We have to make an impact and to make an impact you have to make a start. Repurpose, Reuse, Recycle has to be the ultimate goal.
Additionally, I have become more and more involved with further advancing our Energy and GHG tracking and reporting which is key to quantifying Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. This is vital for the proper calculation of one’s Carbon Footprint. It is a part of my portfolio and responsibility as Executive Director of Engineering
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Services to provide technical insight and data management oversight which supports not just proper GHG emissions accounting and tracking. My responsibilities also include the continued implementation of a comprehensive Energy Management program to include not just evaluating new and innovative technology and energy conservation solutions as well.
What are your greatest fears and greatest hopes for the tourism industry as we face growing signs of the impact of climate change?
One of my greatest fears is the long-term irreversible impact yet to be seen from some of the damage already done to our environment which will negatively affect the tourism product. Secondly, people will just give up and stop trying to do whatever they can to combat climate change no matter how great or how small their efforts are. Thirdly, that opportunists will see the crises we are all in merely as a vehicle to exploit and financially capitalize on the situation without genuinely trying to address or correct the problem. My greatest hope is that resiliency and dedication continue to trump everything negative I have just mentioned and that we continue to unite towards a common goal and that above all will prevail.
What shifts, if any, have you seen in the tourism industry’s focus in recent years, prompted by concerns about the effects of climate change?
For me, there appears to be a noticeable shift both positively and negatively as it relates to climate change. Negatively, we have seen many more weather anomalies and changes in weather patterns which has impacted the ability of those in or attached to the industry to maximize their returns and provide economically memorable vacation experiences because of increased cost to build and operate due to required adjustment exacerbated by climate change. Having said that, while there may still be scientific debates with regards to global warming, I think positively there is a shift in the overall awareness, sensitivity and focus of both industry professionals as well as our customers and clients. There is an old saying, that if you build it, they will come, but I think that is shifting a bit. Now, from where I sit, the tune seems to be: If you can afford to build and operate it while recognizing and promoting responsible sustainable practices and initiatives, then we will come. What do I mean, well people have choices, and they are not only making decisions on basic amenities and affordability but also on environmental and sustainable responsibility and practices.
What kinds of changes have you been part of at Atlantis over the years to become more efficient and resilient?
Atlantis has always strived to be a leader in efficiency and eco-tourism. In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint we have eliminated single-use plastic bottles, Styrofoam containers, utensils and single-use plastic bags and are doing so well before being mandated to do so and going beyond the mandate parameters. Over the years, I have been involved with comprehensive property wide system/technology specific audits. As a large multi facility casino resort with multiple towers totaling over 3400 rooms, multiple pools, a convention center, marina, water park, golf course, central laundry and distribution warehouse, we have implemented a variety of solutions, such as: the installation of low flow shower head and water free urinals, Incandescent to CFL and now to LED lamp retrofits and replacement, Lighting control optimization, public area building management control improvements, room AC control devices upgrades and strategy, office and storage space lighting occupancy sensors, the use of VFDs (variable frequency drives) on various equipments like secondary chiller pumps and domestic water systems, and a comprehensive networked building management system upgrades just to name a few. I've also had the opportunity to lead teams of individuals across the resort in the development and implementation of energy campaigns to create a culture and infuse a level of energy efficiency consciousness internally and where possible boost awareness to our guests as well.
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What advice can you give to fellow hoteliers about investing their time and money to address the current and anticipated impacts from climate change?
The greatest advice I can give fellow hoteliers is to recognize that this quest is not a competition, it is a commitment to a common cause that impacts all of us in some way or another. It is one that we must find some common ground because in one way or another it affects all of us no matter where we are or what our market focus is because it doesn’t just impact our guests, but it impacts us as well. Don’t look at what someone else is doing at the expense of what you can do. Start small, but start, circumstances and situations will never be just right or perfectly aligned but they demand our response because the stakes are high. Don’t wait for mandates and regulations if it makes sense to implement.
Company Best Practice: Hamanasi, Belize
Hamanasi, a Green Globe certified resort and a founding member of Regenerative Resorts, embarked on a mission to reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2024. The approach involved a comprehensive strategy incorporating energy-efficient design, appliance upgrades, and the installation of solar panels to power various facilities. The implementation of a two-year, $1 million investment in solar energy aims to provide the resort with the capacity to be entirely electricity independent.
The commitment to carbon reduction extends with a focus on creating carbon sinks through reforestation programs.
Thousands of trees and bushes have been planted, and guests actively participate in the Adopt-a-Tree program, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility within the greater community. The added benefit of reforestation is
rewilding. Native birds and animals have returned to live and
feed amongst the trees, increasing overall biodiversity.
Success is measured through rigorous tracking and data input,
facilitated by the Weeva platform, monitoring electricity, fuel,
and water usage. The carbon-reducing initiative bring tangible reductions tracked in the resort's data.
The lessons learned underscore the importance of phased project implementation, stakeholder engagement, and innovative problem-solving. For instance, addressing challenges during the reforestation project involved adapting to wildlife impacts and recognizing the need for more mature plant specimens.
Engaging with the local church to landscape their property showcased the significance of ongoing collaboration and flexibility in accommodating stakeholder preferences. Hamanasi's innovative approach to solar panel placement, using raised panels above staff housing without disrupting the natural habitat, exemplifies the resort's commitment to sustainability, habitat preservation, and energy efficiency. Through these initiatives, Hamanasi demonstrates that the journey to carbon neutrality requires strategic planning, adaptability, and a holistic approach to sustainability.
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CIMH Quarterly Climatic Bulletin – Supporting Your Planning
Through a collaboration with the industry, led by the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology with CHTA and the Caribbean Tourism Organization, the industry is provided with a quarterly bulletin - Overview and Outlook for Key Caribbean Climatic Activities. This valuable planning tool provides scientific forecasts, geographically broken down into Caribbean sub-regions on the outlook for rainfall, drought, sargassum, hurricanes, health and vector illnesses to help guide strategic and
operational decisions by companies and jurisdictions. Thank you to CAST Trustee Loreto Duffy Mayers for being the CHTA/CAST liaison with CIMH for the quarterly production of the bulletin.
Information and updates from CTO and its tourism development partners relevant to sustainable tourism product development that you will find informative. This newsletter features information and updates from CTO and its tourism development partners relevant to sustainable tourism product development.
More Information and Tools You Can Use….
To learn more about CAST and to access the range of information, resources and tools which are available to CHTA members go to the Environmental and Knowledge Center sections of CHTA’s website. Partner and like-minded resources are also accessible thru the below links:
Resources you can tap into to help support your sustainability efforts:
Members of the CAST Board of Trustees are:
Kyle Mais, Chairman, Jamaica Karolin Troubetzkoy, St. Lucia Denaye Hinds, Barbados/Bermuda
Christine Young, Trinidad and Tobago Loreto Duffy Mayers, Barbados Kendra Hopkin, Grenada
Kevan Dean, Bahamas Ted Vogel, U.S.
The Trustees are support by CHTA representatives: Nicola Madden Greig, CHTA President; Vanessa Ledesma, CHTA CEO/DG (Actg); and Frank Comito, Special Advisor.
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