Remarkable Success: CHTA’s First Marketplace Responsible Tourism Day

Published on June 8, 2024

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) marked a historic milestone with the launch of the inaugural Marketplace Responsible Tourism Day during this year’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Held on Thursday, May 23, 2024, the pioneering event emphasized sustainable tourism development and community engagement in Jamaica.

“Marketplace Responsible Tourism Day has sparked a spirit of collaboration and innovation among tourism industry stakeholders. The enthusiasm and dedication shown by delegates in working together on sustainable initiatives are setting the stage for more integrated and cooperative approaches to tourism development,” said Nicola Madden-Greig, President of CHTA.

A visit to the SOS Children’s Village in Barrett Town was another heartfelt highlight. Participants painted, conducted carpentry repairs, and launched a village farming project. Over 40 delegates participated, generously donating clothing and school supplies, leaving a lasting impact on the children’s lives.

Participants gathered at the scenic Croydon in the Mountains, planting 33 jackfruit and breadfruit trees and learning about sustainable agriculture practices. Delegates were introduced to the 1:1:1 Reforestation Initiative, which aims to provide each of the 1.2 million children in Jamaica’s school system with a tree annually, promoting food sustainability and carbon sequestration.

Delegates also engaged in a beach clean-up at the Montego Bay Marine Park, emphasizing the importance of conserving and restoring coastal resources. This hands-on experience resulted in the collection of about 100 pounds of trash, significantly contributing to the conservation efforts at the Marine Park.

Rachael Nathaniel of Hadco Experiences shared her thoughts on the beach clean-up, “I was excited to be part of this initiative. We represent two ecological facilities in Trinidad, so caring for nature is very dear to our hearts, and we’re happy to give back to Jamaica.”

Marketplace Responsible Tourism Day positively impacts the host community and serves as a valuable platform for learning, collaboration, and commitment to sustainable tourism practices. It aligns with global trends toward more responsible travel and showcases the Caribbean’s dedication to leading the way in sustainable tourism.

For more information about CHTA and its initiatives across the Caribbean, visit caribbeanhotelandtourism.com.

From left to right: Donna Munroe from Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board, Ruben Rosado from Holiday Inn in Puerto Rico, and Zaria Lynch-Lewis and Rachael Nathaniel from HADCO Experiences during the beach clean-up in Montego Bay, Jamaica, last month.