Guyana has emerged as the biggest winners at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO)/Travelmole Sustainable Tourism Awards, in Trinidad and Tobago during the Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC-14) on April 15-18.
According to a release by the Tourism Ministry of Guyana, this is the third year in a row that Destination Guyana has carted off major awards at the STC, including the Caribbean Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Award.
Of the five nominations submitted, Guyana received the Caribbean Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Award – this was won by Karanambu Lodge; the Biodiversity Conservation Award, which went to the Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society; and the Heritage Award, which was awarded to National Trust of Guyana.
“We are proud of the winners who have worked hard to ensure that their businesses and practices fit in to the country’s overall sustainable development agenda. This is indeed a poignant moment for all of Guyana. Congratulations to all of Guyana on this significant achievement,” acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali proudly announced.
The other awards up for grabs included Destination Stewardship, which was won by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company; the Best Sustainable Tourism Accommodation, which was awarded to Tryall Club & Villas in Jamaica; and the Community Benefit Award, which went to Bowden Pen Farmers Association in Jamaica.
Guyana’s tourism product is the “strongest”
Alluding to the significance of this accomplishment, Minister Ali said, “The fact that we won three of the five awards at the STC-14 is further proof that our product is the strongest.
“This sends an important message to the international community, to international tourists and groups of tourists that look for eco-adventure, nature adventure, and sustainable tourism…The haven for sustainable tourism resides in Guyana.” Minister Ali noted that with this added recognition, the country can move forward on the progressive frontier of advancing its eco-tourism product and remaining the most outstanding sustainable tourism destination in the region.
Pointing to this year’s awardees, he noted that they all fit into very tight criteria of ensuring that their product is sustainable, that they protect the environment, and they integrate the environment in the development of their product.
Leaders in
sustainable tourism
Meanwhile, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Indranauth Haralsingh, who was in Trinidad for the STC-14, also recognised the importance of the wins, as Guyana cements its commitment to leading the region in sustainable development.
He said, “We are one step closer to achieving our vision of being the leaders in sustainable tourism development.
“Winning the top three awards, with three recognitions, makes Guyana the leader among the 34 CTO members.
“Guyana is the only country to have gained a place and a winner in each category.” Haralsingh noted that the achievement demonstrates the nation’s focus on using the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) as its blueprint for conservation and sustainable development. According to the GTA director, these awards are strategic marketing tools which will help to boost and position Guyana as a leader in sustainable travel.
“Congrats to all our winners. Guyana is the buzz word at STC- 14. This will generate tremendous coverage and promotion for Destination Guyana!” Haralsingh added.
