Recently, the Green Key National Jury of Trinidad and Tobago unanimously awarded two tourism accommodation properties the internationally recognised Green Key.
Adventure Eco Villas and Native Abode became the two newest members of the International Green Key family of certified properties.
Together with Bananaquit and Shepherd’s Inn these four properties in Tobago are currently the only Green Key certified sites in the English-Speaking Caribbean. When deciding to become part of the programme.
lEan Mackay, Owner and Manager of Adventure Eco Villas commented that,
‘It seemed to be what we are all about, setting a strong environmental example to others and being a part of the Green Key programme worldwide made real sense as it endorses our sustainable dreams and efforts over the last twenty years.”
“For us the process was straightforward, since our goals are aligned, and the guidance provided was excellent. The Green Key initiative of sustainable tourism is in sync with our aims at Native Abode, so it was very easy for us to get onboard.”
Green Key demonstrates to visitors that tourist accommodation properties have taken steps to protect the environment and reduce their overall negative impacts. It assures guests that their green activities are genuine and real. Green T&T, the National Operator for the Green Key Programme in Trinidad and Tobago, worked closely with both properties to ensure that each operator was able to meet and, in some cases, exceed each of the criteria set forward. The Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) has been advocating and empowering local tourism stakeholders to raise the standard and quality of sustainable tourism products.
Director of Product Development and Destination Management, Narendra Ramgulam at TTAL describes it best:
Apart from strong brand positioning, Green Key certification helps tourism establishments to work towards sustainability in a structured way over time - it is phased in its approach and allows property owners time to implement changes annually. It also contributes to the reduction of costs at the tourism establishments, for example through lower energy and water consumption.
While the first four Green Key sites in Tobago are accommodation properties the Green Key standard is applicable to tourism attractions and restaurants as well. The journey has just begun, but Green T&T and TTAL will keep working together to ensure that Tobago continually increases its sustainable choices ensuring the preservation of the island for the future generations of all its travellers and residents alike.
