In an effort to further sensitize our population about the importance of tourism and the environment to our economic sustainability, the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board has simultaneously joined the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) in its designation of November as Caribbean Tourism Month.
At their Providenciales office yesterday, the Tourist Board along with the Acting Premier, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, the Hon. Akeirra Missick, the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), the Environmental Health Department and the Department of Environmental and Maritime Affairs (DEMA), hosted a press conference to officially launch and celebrate Tourism Environmental Awareness Month (TEAM), with the resounding message: ‘Tourism is Key –
Clean is Cool.’
TEAM is aimed at creating tourism and environmental awareness among the population that will positively improve the Turks and Caicos Islands for the pleasure and livelihood of its citizens, the delight and comfort of our many visitors, and to educate our people on the importance of tourism to the island and the region.
Hon. Akeirra Missick, brining remarks on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Dr. the Hon. Rufus Ewing, commended the Tourist Board for embarking on such a campaign throughout the month noting, “We all have a role to play in developing our country as a primal tourism destination. The Turks and Caicos Islands Government is actively working to improve the destination, our tourism product and the overall experience for our visitors while they are on Island. These islands are indeed ‘Beautiful by Nature’, but it is up to every one of us to ensure that the environment is protected and remains clean.”
The Director of Tourism, Mr. Ralph Higgs, stressed that our economic health and stability depends heavily on our environmental health, “The Caribbean is the most desirable, year-round warm weather destination and coincidentally, it is the most tourism dependent economy in the world with some of the most fragile ecosystems – the Turks and Caicos is no exception. “
Mr. Higgs continued, “We continually receive numerous accolades for our beaches and dive sites and Turks and Caicos is touted as one of the top islands to visit, live in or retire to in the Caribbean; however, in order for us to continue to receive such accolades we must take our message throughout the Islands that indeed, ‘Clean is Cool.’ We must remember the importance of tourism to our economy, we must be proactive, and we must continue to educate our people about the benefits of environmental sustainability to the Turks and Caicos.”
A number of education and interactive activities to encourage sustainable practices have been scheduled to celebrate the month:
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 11, 2013
Lead by DEMA, features:
- Visits to schools on the island of Providenciales – Migratory Birds Lessons
- Mangrove planting, cleaning of the flats
- Stakeholders workshop hosted by CTO Representative
NOVEMBER 13 – Tourist Board visit to SOUTH CAICOS schools
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 18, 2013
Lead by the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board features:
- Visits to schools on Providenciales and other family islands.
- The Youth Congress Competition
TCI COMMUNITY COLLEGE – Open House
- Culinary Skills presentation
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 25, 2013
Lead by TCHTA features:
- TCI Shine Clean Up Campaign
- Clean up of Long Bay Beach
Visually stunning billboards featuring ‘Henry the Conch’ have been placed on roadways and in communities throughout the Islands highlighting the theme, “Clean Is Cool.” Additionally, a new jingle complementing the theme, will be aired today on a variety of radio stations country-wide and an upbeat public service announcement featuring current Junior Minister of Tourism, Willandra Elliot, will air on PTV8 and WIV networks, emphasizing the message that everyone must play their part in keeping the Islands pristine.
The Tourist Board invites all citizens, hoteliers, tour operators, and visitors to join us in our campaign to keep the Turks and Caicos Islands forever ‘Beautiful by Nature.’
