The Caribbean hospitality industry’s growth continues to have a major impact on the environment. Sensitising hotels and fostering a way for them to integrate better social and environmental practices into day-to-day business decisions is a critical first step to preserve the tropical paradise. Working towards that goal each year, the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) and American Express recognise those Caribbean hotels that have positioned themselves at the cutting edge of social and environmental responsibility.

“Being environmentally conscious is not only important to the community, but it also makes good business sense,” says Dee Rodriguez, Vice President Establishment Services, American Express Latin America and Caribbean Division.

“We congratulate the award winners for their enlightened environmental practices which are truly a model for the region.”

The 2005 CHA Green Hotel of the Year Award winners obtained the highest combined scores, based on their performance in the following five criteria:

Environmental Management & Stewardship, Infrastructure, Awareness, Conservation, and Health & Safety:

Small Hotel Category - The 3 Rivers Lodge, Dominica
Large Hotel Category - Sunscape Casa del Mar, Dominican Republic.

“Environmental issues concern not just the air we breathe and the water we drink; they also concern our obligation to each other, and to future generations to protect our planet,” said CHA President, Berthia Parle, MBE.

“In the Caribbean hospitality industry, businesses that utilise the most solid social and environmental practices benefit communities and save not only our environment, but our heritage as well.”

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