Tourism consultant Annette Esquibel explains the three components that are needed to make tourism sustainable to the fifth grade class
Students of the Dr. Williams Connor Primary School now have a better understanding of what sustainable tourism is, and how it impacts St. Kitts.
Annette Esquibel, consultant on Sustainable Tourism in the Ministry of Tourism, explained to fifth grade students that sustainable tourism attempts to minimize impact on the environment and local culture so that it will be available for future generations, while contributing to generate income, employment, and the conservation of local ecosystems.
Once a week the class learns different aspects of tourism, as part of the Ministry of Tourism’s Tourism Education Awareness Program.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Carlene Henry-Morton, said her ministry has embarked on a people-centred approach to tourism sector development with emphasis on service training and education.
“This strategic approach emphasizes community out-reach, paying particular attention to grassroots leadership, and it also targets our learning institutions, since this is where we can meaningfully engage our potential, future labour force,” Morton said.
The Permanent Secretary went on to add, “It is imperative that collectively we do all in our power now to meaningfully engage our youth as they will be charged with the responsibility of preserving and safeguarding for posterity, for future generations, this very important industry; one that is entrenched in, and will continue to be, integral to our way of life.”
The Ministry’s Tourism Education Awareness Programme is taking place at the Sandy Point Primary School, Dr. William Connor Primary School, Basseterre High School, and the Advance Vocational Educational Center.