Unite Caribbean has developed a regional initiative, in partnership with the NGO Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), aimed at adapting global sustainable tourism criteria for stakeholders in Caribbean territories.

The initiative falls within the framework of the Caribbean-Climate Regional Integration Support Project (PAIRCC), and is being implemented in 5 Creole-speaking territories in the Caribbean (Haiti, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique and Saint Lucia) with French cooperation funding. Unite Caribbean has worked with approximately twenty tourism stakeholders from the PAIRCC territories for 8 months (2019-2020) to identify 3 Caribbean Sustainable Tourism criteria grids geared toward tour operators, hotels and hosts, destinations, and institutional actors.

Through this work, the main stakeholders able to identify a level of exemplarity that is acceptable for the professionals, and significant for the sustainable development of the region. This level of exemplarity is reflected in stakeholders’ compliance with and implementation of eco-criteria where applicable.

Les 3 grilles de critères Tourisme Durable Caraïbe développés dans le cadre du projet PAIRCC sont basés sur les 3 grilles de critères internationalement reconnus de l’ONG Global Sustainable Tourism Council compatibles avec d’autres critères internationaux.

The 3 Caribbean Sustainable Tourism criteria grids developed within the framework of the PAIRCC project are based on the 3 internationally recognised criteria grids of the NGO Global Sustainable Tourism Council which are consistent with other international criteria.

The criteria serve to:

• create awareness among travellers, inhabitants and stakeholders in the region,
• support tourism companies in adopting a sustainable development approach,
• strengthen public policy, and
• demonstrate the exemplary behaviour of stakeholders implementing the criteria.

Moreover, any stakeholders implementing Caribbean Sustainable Tourism criteria in their organisation may apply for GSTC certification.