Comfort Inn & Suites became the first large hotel in Tobago certified Green Key. This recognition marks a significant stride in the region’s journey towards eco-conscious travel and reinforces the growing trend of sustainable practices within the Caribbean tourism sector.
This recognition highlights the increasing importance of eco-friendly initiatives in the hospitality industry in Tobago, signaling a positive shift towards responsible tourism. Comfort Inn & Suites has demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship, from the installation of solar panels to the establishment of an electric car charging station on the property. These initiatives promote sustainable tourism in the Caribbean.
"The past year has been one of hard work and dedication," reflected Maria Yip-John, General Manager of Comfort Inn & Suites Tobago. "Our team’s commitment to innovation and sustainability has allowed us to make a positive impact on the environment. We encourage other tourism stakeholders in Tobago to embrace the Green Key programme and contribute to improving our communities."
Willard Harris, Director of Green T&T, who presented the certification, praised the hotel’s commitment. "This recognition underscores Comfort Inn & Suites’ leadership in ecological responsibility and sets a new standard for eco-friendly tourism in the Caribbean."
Wendell Walker, Director of Product Development and Destination Management also emphasised the significance of this achievement. "The certification of Comfort Inn & Suites strengthens Tobago's reputation as an eco-friendly destination. It promotes sustainable tourism, enhances the island's appeal, and aligns with the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited’s (TTAL) commitment to advancing the Green Key Programme."
The Green Key Certification, which has evolved over the past 30 years into the world’s leading sustainability certifications for establishments, is a globally recognised standard within the hospitality industry. Administered locally by Green T&T, the certification process evaluates environmental management, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation. Successful candidates are certified for one year, with the opportunity for renewal following subsequent assessments. The programme is widely embraced by leading hotel chains such as Hyatt, Marriott, and Accor Hotels.
Comfort Inn & Suites Tobago remains committed to advancing sustainable tourism and is eager to continue its leadership in promoting eco-friendly practices in Tobago. This achievement reflects the broader growth of sustainable tourism in Trinidad and Tobago, driven by the active participation of Green T&T as the National Operator.
Green T&T, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to sustainable tourism, played a pivotal role in this achievement. Through partnerships with hospitality establishments, the organisation fosters eco-friendly procedures and supports local communities. Their mission is to collaborate with hotels and resorts to achieve Green Key and Blue Flag Beach certifications, yielding benefits such as reduced environmental impact, cost savings through efficient resource management, and a competitive edge in attracting eco-conscious travellers.
For more information on Green T&T and the Green Key programme, please visit Green Key T&T – Green-TT or send an email to greenkey@green-tt.org. For additional information about Comfort Inn & Suites Tobago, please visit https://comfortsuitestobago.com/.
If you wish to learn about more initiatives that your business can implement to elavate its sustainability, discover our lastest Good Practices from Green Key certified establishments all around the world.