EPIC, SHTA sign agreement in support of sustainable tourism

PHILIPSBURG–The partnership between St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) and the non-profit foundation Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) was strengthened by the signing of the collaborative agreement to promote sustainable tourism through the Blue Flag and Green Key eco-label awards.

The signing was at Holland House Beach Hotel on March 23, the newest Green Key awarded site for St. Maarten, in anticipation of the official Green Key Award ceremony and sustainability expo which acknowledges the exceptional efforts of the awardees, being on the forefront of sustainable tourism for the hotel industry. The event, to be held in May, will also award Princess Heights Luxury Boutique Hotel for its third consecutive year as a Green Key Hotel.

Both parties were excited to finalize the long-awaited agreement which highlights the dedication, support and advocacy for the Green Key and Blue Flag programmes amongst tourism businesses in St. Maarten.

The agreement was signed by EPIC Executive Board Treasurer Rueben J. Thompson and SHTA Executive Board Member Paul J. Henriquez and was witnessed by EPIC Executive Board member/ SXM DOET project manager Fleur Hermanides and SHTA Executive Director Wyb Meijer.

EPIC has been working for many years to further develop sustainable tourism for St. Maarten and SHTA has been a key partner in that effort.

“To really stand out from the crowd, St. Maarten can offer not just the standard Caribbean sun, sand, and sea, but an environmentally-responsible experience that guests can feel proud to support, further building their ties to the island,” EPIC President Natalia Collier said in an SHTA issued press statement.

Henriquez said, “This collaboration represents the effort of the SHTA to support and promote sustainability amongst its members and to work with EPIC towards making the environment of St. Maarten a better place for the community.”

Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/64685-epic-shta-sign-agreement-in-support-of-sustainable-tourism

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