HOTELS

Lyndall De Marco

Success Stories In Tobago
May 15, 2008

I have just returned from the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Conference in Port of Spain, where there were over 500 participants and FOUR green sessions. This is a region that absolutely must focus on sustainability and I was so delighted with the response to such issues.

On this occasion I had a chance to listen to real success stories such as the Bucuti Beach Resort named in National Geographic Traveller’s first annual “Stay List.” Owner and CEO Ewald Biemans clearly demonstrates that sustainability and profitability work hand in hand.

There were so many wonderful examples not only of operations but of renovations and, of course, new developments. I wish I could have bundled all of these “green disciples” into a travelling show to really demonstrate that it is easy being green.

Often it is said that the government is a stumbling block but I was delighted to listen to The Hon. Orville London, chief secretary, Tobago House of Assembly, who outlined his plan for preserving this beautiful part of the world. “Clean, Green and Pristine” – if you want to develop a resort in Tobago then it must be done with this in mind.

I felt like Christopher Columbus after I travelled from Dubai, via London, Miami and then Trinidad, but it was absolutely worth the 25 hours to hear such commitment. Of course, there is a long way to go but it has begun!

Posted by Lyndall De Marco on May 15, 2008 | Comments (0)