JAMAICA'S TOURISM product and environmental practice has received another shot in the arm.
This follows the declaration of Sandals Ocho Rios as being the latest property to be officially Green Globe certified.
General manager Michael Darby, described the achievement as "a tribute to the team work displayed by all members of staff and a boost not only for Sandals Ocho Rios, but also Jamaica's tourism in general".
Green Globe certification is granted to those hotels around the world which adhere to the strictest environmental policies and practices and is used by tour operators, airlines, resort cruise lines, hotels and suppliers as an index to sell these resorts to their customers.
The resort underwent rigorous testing by a team from their local affiliate of the Green Globe verification firm. The scope of the auditors' assessment covered the entire operation at the resort. These include waste water and solid waste management, energy conservation, fresh water conservation, chemical management and commitment to sustainable tourism development.
On the standardisation of departmental practices, the hotel went into guest awareness where orientations addressed the properties environmental practices. Community involvement also played an important role in the social and cultural development aspect of the programme.
Alliances were formed with several environmental organisations including Friends of the Sea and Recycle for Life.
Sandals Ocho Rios' effort was spearheaded by environment, health and safety manager David Smith.
