As we reflect on the Earth Day theme of this year “Our Power, Our Planet”, the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association and the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism reaffirm their dedication to protecting the natural and human resources in the region. The sister organizations recognize that regional and local stakeholders are important in supporting individual and collective actions to preserve and strengthen Caribbean’s environment. “Earth Day reminds us that the Caribbean’s greatest strength, its natural beauty, is also our shared responsibility,” stated CHTA President Sanovnik Detang. “Our members are working to reduce their environmental footprint and help the communities who make our destinations unique. The theme for this year reinforces the fact that meaningful progress is made through collective action. The tourism sector plays a key role in this. They work with 32 national hotel and tourist associations, as well as regional and local government agencies and multilateral organizations to address issues that affect residents and visitors.Both organizations place a high priority on their work in crisis preparedness. The Caribbean hospitality and tourism sector is better prepared for natural disasters and their recovery thanks to these ongoing efforts. CAST’s acting chair, Karolin Troubetzkoy, said that the Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet”, highlights the responsibility we share as individuals, businesses, governments, and organizations to preserve, restore, and protect our environment. “Real progress happens when we work together – sharing best practices, supporting innovation, and lifting each other forward.”In collaboration with their public sector counterpart, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), CHTA and CAST have supported efforts to reduce the tourism industry’s energy consumption through improved operational efficiencies and the use of renewable energy.ADVERTISEMENTBeyond this collaboration, CHTA and CAST are advancing sustainability priorities across the region, from waste management and health and safety to human resource development, economic linkages, circular economy practices, and coral reef conservation.For more information on CHTA, visit www.CaribbeanHotelandTourism.com. For more information on CAST, visit www.Cast.CaribbeanHotelandTourism.com.
