CTO Chairman Skerritt to speak at sustainable tourism conference

CTO Chairman and St. Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of Tourism, Sen. the Hon. Richard “Ricky” Skerritt

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, APRIL 12TH 2012 (CUOPM) – The stage is set for the Caribbean’s premier sustainable tourism event in Guyana with the attendance of St. Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of Tourism, Sen. the Hon.Richard “Ricky” Skerrritt, in his capacity as Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO).

The 13th Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development – otherwise known as the Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC-13) – opens in Guyana on Sunday April 15th with a ceremony that is expected to feature addresses from several dignitaries, including Guyana’s Acting President, His Excellency Sam Hinds; Guyana’s Acting Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Irfaan Ali and the CTO Chairman Skerritt.

During the three working days of the conference, delegates will exchange ideas with leading Caribbean and international sustainable tourism experts who will present on a series of important issues. These range from how to include local communities in the search for the best solutions to climate change, to identifying opportunities for “green” investments in the Caribbean.

One of the many attractions of the conference, organized by the CTO, is the opportunity it provides participants to network with leaders in the Caribbean tourism industry at conference sessions and at social events. In addition, STC-13 attendees will hear how the youth and local stakeholders feel about key sustainable tourism issues. The exciting study tours will also allow delegates to explore Guyana’s rich history, multi-ethnic culture and amazing scenic beauty.

STC-13 brings together about 200 tourism industry leaders from the more than 30 member-countries of the CTO, Caribbean and international sustainable tourism practitioners and experts, representatives of the regional and international private sector, students, academics and members of the Caribbean and international press. Acting minister Ali sees the conference as an opportunity for Guyana to advance its product and expose the many desirable eco-tourism attractions that the country has to offer.

The conference, which has as its theme, “Keeping the Right Balance: Sustaining our Resources,” is being organized in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority. It will be held at the Guyana International Conference Centre from April 15th to 18th.