Latin America and the Caribbean
Jamaica
 PA is working with Jamaica-based Sandals Resorts International to help each of its 17 properties implement a comprehensive environmental program and prepare for Green Globe certification. PA’s preparatory work included developing best environmental management practices and a standard best practice assessment protocol for all properties. PA also provided on-site technical assistance to conduct best practice assessments, and designed an environmental management system (EMS) for each property. We implemented a performance monitoring system for properties, and environmental reporting at group level that addresses utility use and best practice implementation. To encourage information sharing and limited competition among the hotels, we developed a new corporate incentive program and also developed a corporate training and human resources development program that includes staff orientation, on-the-job training and formal training modules.
Certified Environmental Hotel Manager (CHEMTM) training course
During the third phase of the EAST Project, PA designed, organized and taught the first Certified Environmental Hotel Manager (CHEMTM ) training course in the Caribbean, in partnership with the American Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). We developed a strategic alliance with the Runaway Bay HEART Hotel & Training Institute, a higher education institution operated by the HEART Trust, a program of NTA, Jamaica’s National Training Agency. HEART’s goal is to develop best-practice human resources for the hospitality industry. The course developed the skills of professionals who have already implemented an EMS, are preparing to do so, or who are training to become environmental officers and managers in tourism establishments.
Public/private partnerships in the South Coast Sustainable Development Program
PA’s tourism unit has formulated strategies to promote public/private partnerships in their development of tourist products in the south coast of Jamaica. The proposed strategies sought to facilitate small and medium size business development, as well as private sector investment in the recuperation of cultural heritage and natural resource management. Our recommendations included a proposal for the Tourism Product Development Company (the government agency in charge of destination management), to have a new promotional and facilitating role, working in tandem with local industry. The South Coast Sustainable Development Program aims to develop the region as an alternative destination in Jamaica, based on a model of social, cultural and environmental sustainability.
Organization of the first annual Green Hotels Conference and Exhibition
As part of phase three of the EAST Project, PA organized the first annual Green Hotel Conference and Exhibition, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, which included the Educator’s Symposium on Sustainable Tourism. The goal of the conference was to provide a venue for the exchange of ideas, experiences and best practices of hotels committed to the sustainable development of the tourism industry, as well as presenting an opportunity for Caribbean companies to do business with 'green' suppliers. The event featured more than 30 speakers and exhibitors from countries as diverse as Australia, Canada, Venezuela, Barbados, Aruba, Peru, the Netherlands, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Trinidad & Tobago, and the United States, and attracted more than 500 attendees from Jamaica and other Caribbean islands. PA’s successfully managed the three components of the event and turned the conference into an effective promotional tool for the Jamaican tourism industry.
Environmental Audits for Sustainable Tourism (EAST) Project, Phase IV
Under the Environmental Audits for Sustainable Tourism (EAST) IV Project, PA is developing and implementing a plan for Port Antonio to achieve Green Globe 21 certification as a sustainable tourism destination. Green Globe 21 is an internationally recognized certification program for the travel and tourism industry. It benchmarks and certifies best environmental practices implemented by tourism business, attraction managers and destination authorities. Port Antonio is considered the birthplace of Jamaican tourism. However, in recent years, its importance has been overshadowed by other destinations in the island and the rest of the Caribbean. Through this program, Port Antonio will re-position itself as an environmentally sustainable destination, showcasing the best of Jamaica’s diverse and beautiful flora and fauna, and attracting new segments of the international market.
Environmental Audits for Sustainable Tourism (EAST) Project, Phase III
PA broadened the work conducted under the first two phases of the EAST project in Jamaica’s hotel and tourism sector. This phase consolidated and expanded the application of sound environmental management in the hotel/tourism industry and manufacturing sector, with the emphasis on creating links between both industries. In this phase, PA has built-up the capabilities of the Jamaican Hotel and Tourism Association (JHTA) and tertiary institutions to offer environmental management services to its associate members, as well as to include best sustainable tourism practices in tourism education curricula.
Environmental Audits for Sustainable Tourism (EAST) Project, Phases I & II
PA has helped position the Jamaican hotel and tourism industry as a leader in the adoption of environmental management systems (EMS). We have worked with over 20 hotels and nature attractions through a series of audits, training, and the implementation of environmental management systems. Five of the hotels have achieved Green Globe 21 certification and two received the Caribbean Hotel Association – American Express Green Hotel of the Year Award. As a result of PA’s work the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) has encouraged all of its members to adopt environmental management best practices and initiated annual environmental achievement awards.
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