Environmentally Friendly, Socially Responsible Tourism Development; the Caribbean’s Future By Samuel Raphael Jungle Bay EcoResort, Dominica Environmentally Friendly, Socially Responsible Tourism Development; the Caribbean’s Future By Samuel Raphael Jungle Bay EcoResort, Dominica Green Growth Investment Forum (GGIF), Brussels October 6-7, 2011

Caribbean Tourism Today 1. A globally established brand “Sun, Sand & Sea” 2. Successful/Dominant for over the last half century. 3. The primary source of revenue of virtually the entire Caribbean! (Caribbean Hotel Room Growth per thousand 1980 – 2007 Calderon 08)

Tomorrow’s holiday seekers: Serious commitment to preservation of the environment! Cost/ValueHealth & Safety Diverse & Unique ExperiencesSocial Responsibility More active - less passive vacation Photos: Tourism development Bahamas Source: IUCN Sept. 2011: Impacts of hotel sitting and design on biodiversity in the insular Caribbean Dredging of Bimini for hotel major project buries sea grass meadows leaving environmental degradation

Solution: Begin to re-brand the Caribbean to highlight Sun, Sand and Sea PLUS… o Ecological wealth & preservation efforts o Socially responsible tourism o Cultural diversity & heritage o Soft Adventure, wellness/spa, music, healthy local cuisine, exotic Tomorrows Caribbean Brand

Repositioning the Caribbean Brand  o Invest in R&D at the regional and island level. Consultations between Public & Private Sector and local communities (especially the youth) o Begin promoting the unique ecology and heritage of the island and their people as integral component of the products. o Promote the region for Health, fitness & wellness. The Caribbean needs to think about a unique line of Spa’s. o Promote Music, art, cuisine, folklore and other unique aspects of the Caribbean experience as an integral aspect of each islands experience. o support tourism related entrepreneurial activities among local youth that enhances the product o

Innovative Planning in the Caribbean Eco-renovation of existing hotels o Hotel Mocking Bird, Jamaica o Kawann Hotel, Guadaloupe Responsible development of new properties o Hermitage Bay, Antigua o Tiamo, Bahamas o Rosalie Bay, Nature Resort

Jungle Bay, Dominica o 35 stilted cottages - 6 year old luxury eco-lodge o The philosophy: o The philosophy: a combination of environmental preservation, socio-economic empowerment of the host population and preservation of local heritage & culture o The property: o The property: developed with community input, offers a combination of wellness and adventure to its guests. Guest reviews are unusually high; it is doing quite well notwithstanding the global economic downturn o Building capacity: o Building capacity: Employ/train local villagers (60) in (virtually) all functions; purchase most supplies from (40) small local businesses, farmers & fishermen

Jungle Bay Community Fund o Founded an NGO “Open Books Open Minds” providing new books to local libraries in promotion of literacy o Provided seed money and ongoing support to local home for children with severe physical disabilities o Adopted the local health clinic o Provide sports equipment and supplies to local youth clubs o Established an NGO “Waitikubuli Entrepreneurs Leve” to support young entrepreneurship

Jungle Bay: Awards and Accolades Numerous prestigious awards and case studies for contribution to socially responsible tourism Featured in over 100 major publications

Thank You Samuel “Sam” Raphael, Jungle Bay