Entries Open for Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Awards

The awards, organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and TravelMole, recognize sustainable tourism products and services in the region.

Individuals, groups, organizations and companies in any of the CTO's member countries are invited to submit entries for a number of award categories including the Caribbean Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Award; Destination Stewardship Award; Sustainable Accommodation Award; Community Benefit Award; Heritage Protection Award; and the Biodiversity Conservation Award.

"Winners will demonstrate comprehensive strategic efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, increase use of renewable energy, preserve the natural environment and create exciting, value-added experiences that are also sustainable," said Gail Henry, CTO's sustainable tourism product specialist.

"It is unfortunate that some entities are guilty of green washing where they change a few bulbs or start a compost heap and immediately begin promoting themselves as sustainable or green."

"We want our awards to be recognized as a standard bearer that will signal to visitors that the winning entity has reached a level of excellence in its sustainable tourism practices."

Nominees will be judged on sustainable tourism best practices which improve long-term competitiveness and preserve the authenticity of tourism products or services.

Source: Travel Mole