Bahamas and St. Lucia Crowned Winners of Caribbean Destination Resilience Awards

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) 2024 Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Montego Bay, Jamaica, saw The Bahamas and St Lucia taking home the Caribbean Destination Resilience Awards. This prestigious accolade, established three years ago, recognizes destinations that have a deliberate focus on resilience through their commitment to addressing the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s 17 sustainable development goals. The Bahamas was honored with the award in the large tourism destination category, which celebrates destinations with substantial stopover visitor arrivals exceeding US$500,000. Aruba and Puerto Rico were named as runners-up in this category. Chester Cooper, The Bahamas’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, expressed his delight at the recognition, stating, “This is phenomenal and a great tribute to our stakeholders in The Bahamas and Team Tourism. We have worked very hard and as a result, we are being recognized by our peers. I am overjoyed.” In the small destination category, St Lucia outshined Bonaire and St Marteen to receive the resilience award. Richard Moss, Senior Sales Manager of the St Lucia Tourism Authority, highlighted the hard work that went into developing the island's tourism product. He emphasized the collaboration between the public sector organization and private sector partners, stating, “In St Lucia, we are a growing destination, and we understand the business of tourism and hospitality. Working with our private sector partners has been invaluable, as we get some of our very good ideas from them. We’ve held hands throughout the pandemic, and we have not only become resilient but also grown.” The commitment to resilience shown by these award-winning destinations is indicative of their dedication to sustainable tourism practices and their ability to adapt to challenges. By aligning their efforts with the UNWTO’s sustainable development goals, The Bahamas and St Lucia have demonstrated leadership in promoting sustainable tourism practices while continuing to enhance the visitor experience. As the tourism industry continues to navigate uncertainties resulting from global challenges such as the pandemic, recognizing and celebrating destinations like The Bahamas and St Lucia for their resilience is crucial. These awards serve as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the governments, stakeholders, and tourism industry professionals in these destinations, showcasing their ability to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger. In conclusion, The Bahamas and St Lucia stand as shining examples of Caribbean destinations that prioritize resilience and sustainability in their tourism development. By receiving the Caribbean Destination Resilience Awards, they have not only been recognized for their achievements but also inspired others in the region to embrace sustainable practices and foster resilience in the face of adversity. These accolades serve as a reminder of the importance of sustainability in tourism and the positive impact it can have on both the environment and the local communities. https://therealcrimediary.com/bahamas-and-st-lucia-crowned-winners-of-caribbean-destination-resilience-awards/?feed_id=90567&_unique_id=671769b96300f

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