CTO Urges Energy Efficiency on World Tourism Day

On World Tourism Day today, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is emphasizing the need for more renewable energy technologies in operations throughout the tourism sector.

CTO Secretary General, Hugh Riley says an organization with responsibility to provide leadership in regional tourism; the CTO’s duty is to encourage the widespread adoption of energy efficiency as a way of life.

Recognizing the theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development", the CTO secretary general implores industry stakeholders to use the occasion to participate in activities which promote sustainable development.

"Let our actions and practices raise awareness of the need for improving energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities that can enhance our competitiveness in the tourism industry," he urged.

He added that the more effort put into reducing the region's dependency on expensive traditional sources of energy, the more it will help to secure the future. The purpose of World Tourism Day, is to raise awareness of the role of tourism within the international community.

It is aimed at demonstrating the effect which tourism has on political, economic and social values worldwide. World Tourism Day seeks to address global challenges outlined in the UN Millennium Development Goals and to highlight the contribution the tourism sector can make in reaching those goals.