Grand Cayman is learning something from its smaller sisters.
Eco-tourism is alive and well in the Sister Islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
Eco-tourism is about so much more than sustaining our marine-based ecology, which is vulnerable to man and nature.
All of Cayman’s natural resources must be properly managed to ensure them for future generations.
For the Cayman Islands to truly embrace eco-tourism, all sectors must join in.
Seven properties and four attractions within the tourism sector in the Cayman Islands are to be commended for going after Green Globe Certification, which is an internationally recognized certification.
Many of them had started the process pre-Ivan, but rebuilding has been a priority. It is refreshing that they are revisiting the idea of going green.
While sustaining eco-tourism is important for the islands’ futures, it is also a drawing card for tourists eager to pay premium prices to patronize travel companies that use sustainable environmental practices.
Eco-tourism and nature tourism are growing up to three times faster than the tourism industry in general.
The bottom line is that people looking for nature-based tourism support environmental responsibility and are willing to pay for it.
High standards are expected and clients are willing to pay.
But it’s going to take public and private sectors working together to make the Cayman Islands a destination of sustainable eco-tourism.
Many of us can help by starting in our homes.
Turn off lights when not in a room.
Don’t leave the television on just for noise.
Keep a tab on tap water.
Hotels can help by using recycled materials and installing lower flow showerheads, using grey water for landscaping and not using harsh chemicals, among other things.
Businesses, too, can examine ways to make their operations more ecologically friendly.
Together we can make eco-tourism a sustainable, viable reality.
Related Videos
