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By Kristen MacklingamAs Guyana continues to gain international recognition in the areas of tourism and hospitality, the 13th Annual Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Development Conference (STC 13) was officially opened Sunday evening at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC).Under the theme “Keeping the Right Balance: Sustaining Our Resources” , regional and international tourism experts, specialists and international media representatives turned up in numbers to participate in the Caribbean’s most important gathering on sustainable tourism development in Guyana.Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) and Minister of Tourism and International Transport, St. Kitts and Nevis, Richard Skerritt, said that Guyana has achieved much in the tourism sector.This is the second occasion that Guyana is hosting the conference, something that has not been done by any other of the 32 member countries.According to Skerritt, Guyana is the first country to have hosted this type of conference twice (having hosted STC4) and that the world of travel and tourism has changed both dramatically and fundamentally over the past twelve years.“The fact that Guyana is the first country to welcome back STC is a strong indication in my opinion that what has not changed is Guyana’s commitment to the projection of sustainable use of its natural resources.“It is not by accident therefore that since STC4 Guyana has emerged as a leader in the world stage in the battle to reduce global carbon emissions. I believe it was the result of a deliberate decision by the leadership of this proud country to stand up and be counted in the global fight against the vast extremes of climate change and of course to lead by example,” said Skerritt.He explained that while critical fiscal challenges confronted the region, Guyana could have succumbed to the temptation to expand the extraction of timber and other resources from its vast rainforests for economic gain.However, recognizing the long term negative impact of deforestation, Guyana has been convinced that it should not be forced to choose between short term development priorities and climate change, the CTO Chairman said.“Even with the scary storm clouds of recession still hovering in our region and the loud insistent calls including from the IMF and other good friends that we must get our economic houses in order quickly, the Guyana Government still chose to protect virtually its entire 40 million acres of rainforest.”Skerritt continued to explain that Guyana’s initiatives with regards to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management and climate change efforts, are yet another example that the Caribbean can lead the world.“Guyana’s decision to better manage its vast forest resources and to be responsible in its development strategy is attracting more and more attention in the world especially the adventure tourism markets.”He emphasised that responsible tourism is good for business as tourism is the leading “money earner” for many Caribbean countries.“In order to appropriately address the essentials of economic growth and poverty alleviation each country should and must adopt a development strategy that is sustainable and in this regard Guyana is a leader”, added Skerritt.Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (ag) Irfaan Ali, stated that sustainable tourism, sustainable development and environmental management are pivotal in the field of tourism.These aspects, coupled with creating the right balance between economic development and nature, have become some of the most crucial and important global issues especially within the Caribbean, he said.He said that Guyana is on the positive trajectory towards sustainable development with the future of the country being defined in the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) as one that seeks to balance economic developments and aspirations with global environmental prudence.During the three-day conference a number of discussions will take place concerning many themes that are critical to sustaining ecotourism and development.While emphasizing that the Caribbean countries have a lot to offer, Ali explained that collectively, more can be done if these countries continue to work together to achieve these goals.“In the Caribbean tourism is too big to fail and singularly we are too small to compete thus our hope and recommendations are to utilize time and energy to move towards an integrative marketing plan for our entire region creating the perfect blend for each our advantage thereby creating a sustainable product.”Minister Ali added that the strategic location of Guyana opens up wide opportunities for the rest of the Caribbean,Cheap MLS Jerseys, opportunities to benefit from the large markets in South America and from the European Union. Already Guyana presents a water and land link to both Suriname and Brazil.He urged the delegates and observers to assess the country as a destination that can create opportunities for the rest of the Region.He added that in the recent budget presentation at Parliament Buildings, tourism is highlighted to play a critical role in the future advancement of the economy of the country. This was supported by an increase in investments in the sector.Government is now engaging discussions to create greater public and private partnerships so as to build and expand tourism product(s) in Guyana.