TT Remains Silent on Sustainable Tourism Zone

On November 6 2013, a little more than two months ago the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) announced that the Caribbean Region has been established as the first Sustainable Tourism Zone in the world.

It took 12 years to happen, but it has been done. Two months have elapsed since the Sustainable Tourism Zone of the Greater Caribbean (STZC) has been in force, but to date not a peep has been heard for the Trinidad and Tobago Government, nor any of its satellite organizations.

Even the Chambers of Commerce have been deafeningly silent on the issue, yet the calls continue for the development of our tourism sector. Trinidad and Tobago is a signatory to the Protocol to the Convention establishing the Sustainable Tourism Zone of the Caribbean.

There are many excursions to all parts of the world by local sector agents and/or government agencies purporting to be working towards the development of tourism not only in Tobago, but also in Trinidad, yet local stakeholders seem reluctant to say something about the measure. As a signatory to the STZC, it seems imperative that a comprehensive statement be forthcoming from the Government.

The STZC was developed as a multi-sectoral participatory approach to destination management and adopts the UN’s definition of Sustainable Tourism, which involves the management of all resources, natural, cultural, human and financial in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled, while providing a unique experience to the visitor and at the same time, improving the quality of life for the locals.

Source: Newsday (Trinidad & Tobago)