Guyana is the ideal location for the hosting of the much-anticipated 13th Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development (STC 13) according to a report on the website of the Caribbean Tourism Organization. (CTO)
The CTO article describes Guyana, the venue for the April 13th – 18th regional tourism forum as “the ideal laboratory for experiencing nature at its best.”
“Guyana has become a key player in the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions which significantly contribute to climate change. The country has been recognized internationally for its biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management and climate change adaptation efforts.
Despite the lure of utilizing its forests to fuel its economic development, Guyana has successfully preserved 40 million acres of its rainforests through their careful management and has developed an outstanding ecotourism product,” the article says.
This is the second time that Guyana will be hosting STC. The CTO article says that the country’s successful hosting of STC-4 in 2000 received “rave reviews” from delegates, and Guyana has reportedly promised that STC-13 will top the 200 accomplishment..
STC-13 has been themed “Keeping the Right Balance: Sustaining Our Resources”. Apart from exploring best practices relating to the issues surrounding how tourism sustainability and engaged communities can better interconnect with biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation initiatives, the forum will also bring new insights into advancements in evolving special interest tourism niches such as adventure tourism.
STC-13 will also focus on agro and culinary tourism as well as how to market sustainable tourism products.
Additionally, it will demonstrate, using global and regional examples, how planning for better resources including water, energy and management in relation to critical tourism-related infrastructure can contribute to tourism sustainability and reduce the impacts of climate change.
The CTO article anticipates t”wo days of rich discourse via panel discussions and focused learning sessions,” balanced by “a full day to adventure into Guyana’s best kept secrets given the vast, lush and exotic landscape that awaits STC-13 delegates.
The forum will draw from the best pool of leading local, regional and international tourism experts and practitioners and simultaneously demonstrate how the Caribbean has been making strides with respect to tourism sustainability. The special Stakeholder Speakout and Youth Sessions as well as study tours to some of Guyana’s best attractions and sustainable tourism projects will ensure that STC-13 delegates will leave with not only a greater appreciation for Guyana’s rich tourism product and the natural warmth of its people, but also how Caribbean destinations and their youth have been contributing to the legacy and leadership of Caribbean tourism sustainability.
