Caribbean Tourism Organization Launches 2025 Quarterly Webinar Series With Focus On Sustainable Tourism – Travel And Tour World
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is spearheading a transformative shift towards sustainable tourism with the launch of its 2025 quarterly webinar series. The inaugural session, entitled “Sustainable Tourism in Action: Measuring and Reducing Carbon Footprints in the Caribbean,” is scheduled for Monday, February 17, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. ET. It will be held in collaboration with Sustainable Travel International (STI).
This initiative aligns with the Caribbean’s strategic efforts to enhance climate resilience, building on the discussions held at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. The webinar is tailored to address the unique challenges faced by small island developing states in the context of climate change. It aims to equip tourism professionals with effective tools and strategies to evaluate, mitigate, and manage carbon emissions.
“Tourism is essential to the Caribbean economy, yet it is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change,” explains Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO of CTO. “It is imperative that we take immediate action to foster a sustainable and resilient tourism industry to guarantee long-term prosperity for our region. Through this webinar series, we hope to motivate stakeholders and decision-makers to join us in fostering a more sustainable Caribbean.”
Participants in this upcoming webinar will be introduced to Sustainable Travel International’s Carbon Calculator Tool, which is designed to measure carbon emissions and guide sustainable tourism strategies. The session will feature insights from regional and global experts, providing attendees with practical, actionable knowledge and real-world examples.
Keynote speakers include Regis-Prosper discussing the urgent need for sustainable tourism practices, and Paloma Zapata, CEO of Sustainable Travel International, offering a deep dive into carbon measurement tools. Virginia Fernandez-Trapa, representing the UN Tourism body, will provide a global climate outlook, linking the discussions at COP29 with the challenges and opportunities facing the Caribbean region.
An interactive component of the webinar will focus on the practical application of the Carbon Calculator tool, complemented by a case study from Dianille Taylor-Williams of St. Kitts and Nevis’ Ministry of Tourism. Taylor-Williams will share successful business practices locally that have integrated carbon reduction strategies.
The session will conclude with an engaging open discussion, led by Narendra Ramgulam, CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Consultant. This is an opportunity for participants to share experiences, exchange ideas, and explore practical solutions for embedding sustainability in the tourism sector.
This webinar series marks the beginning of a four-part initiative centered on fostering sustainability and resilience in Caribbean tourism. It is part of the CTO’s larger 2025 strategy, “Caribbean Resilience: Crafting Tomorrow’s Tourism,” which underscores the region’s dedication to promoting sustainable travel practices while fostering innovation and resilience in the tourism industry.
The Caribbean is taking a crucial step forward in ensuring that its tourism industry not only thrives economically but also contributes positively to climate resilience. The forthcoming webinars are set to become vital platforms for education and discussion, driving real change in regional tourism practices, and ultimately forging a more sustainable path for future generations.
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