Sustainable Tourism Project

(ZIZ News) — The Ministry of Tourism and Sustainable Travel International will be launching two events that focus on sustaining tourism in St. Kitts and Nevis.

On Tuesday a forum will take place at the Ocean Terrace Inn to discuss two initiatives: a programme based on building awareness on sustainability best practices and a foundation to support local sustainability projects.

Director of Partners for Sustainable Travel International, Andrew Grossmann, explained why sustainable tourism is a critical issue.

“As tourism continues to become a large economic force for the island we also want to ensure that as tourism is increasing we maintain its health for the attractiveness of the destination. So sustainability means protecting, sustainability means improving, sustainability means working together to make it better,” he said.

Following earlier meetings Grossman and local officials agreed upon four goals that would define what sustainability means to St.Kitts-Nevis. They are waste management, historical site preservation, marine and coastal conservation and development of new recreational opportunities.

He also spoke about how the fundraising capabilities of the Sustainable Tourism Foundation.

“We are very excited to be launching the ‘Heart of St. Kitts Foundation’ tomorrow during the forum. The purpose of the foundation is build awareness on sustainability issues related to the four objectives that I mentioned,” he said.

He added that they will be inviting residents, businesses, travellers, and international organizations to make donations to the foundation.

“All of the donations that we receive will then be provided as grants to local leaders that are supporting projects that meet those objectives,” he said.

The Sustainable Tourism Forum runs from 12-4 pm at the Ocean Terrace Inn on Tuesday.