Green Globe Certification’s CEO Mr. Guido Bauer speaks to the BVI Tourist Board and the certified properties. Photo:supplied

The Annual Green Globe Certification Highest Achievement Awards are among the most prestigious awards in the sustainability sector worldwide. A total of 13 winners were selected by the Green Globe expert panel of judges to receive this esteemed accolade. Agapé Cottages and seven other regional businesses were awarded for achieving the highest number of certification criteria under the Green Globe Certification Standard for Sustainable Tourism. In addition, special merit awards were given to five businesses, who demonstrated a commitment to sustainable tourism that is exceptional and worthy of global recognition.

Mrs. Donna Abraira, Owner of Agapé Cottages said, “We are very pleased to have been recognised for our efforts to add value in creating a greener BVI and a more sustainable tourism destination. To be listed as the highest ranked Green Globe property in the Caribbean is quite an honour and we will continue to work diligently to always improve our offerings and take care of our environment.

A special visit from Green Globe Certification’s CEO, Mr. Guido Bauer, provided much insight on the Green Globe programme and proved to be mutually beneficial. “It was a pleasure to be able to visit the British Virgin Islands and discuss our Green Globe Certification programme directly with hotel and resort properties. In addition, I was able to meet a variety of stakeholders and understand that the BVI is very enthusiastic about a destination based approach to sustainability practices. It is clear to me that the BVI is positioning itself to be a truly sustainable leisure destination and Green Globe is its preferred certification program,” said Mr. Bauer.

Agapé Cottages is the first property in the BVI to become Green Globe Certified under the BVI Tourist Board’s Sustainable Tourism Environmental Programme, followed by Myett’s Garden Inn and Gordian.

Terrace. As Green Globe Certified properties they receive greater exposure and are positioned strategically on an international stage. Being a part of the Green Globe network allows the properties to benefit from such services as Green Globe’s highly trafficked website greenglobetravel.com and gives them added exposure in Green Globe’s monthly e-blast which is sent to over 15,000 tour operators. Green Globe also offers a free app that is automatically included in all 2013 Mercedes and Audi vehicles and a special section on their website for weddings, meetings and incentives.

Director of Tourism, Sharon Flax-Mars said, “Agapé Cottages receiving this award demonstrates their high level of commitment to a more sustainable BVI. This highly acknowledged accolade also creates added recognition worldwide for the BVI in this niche sector. We at the BVI Tourist Board are proud of Agapé Cottages’ outstanding performance and hope that this property will act as a benchmark for other properties and businesses in the BVI to take up the torch and make greener choices, in efforts to make a greater contribution to global environmental preservation.”

Mr. and Mrs. Abraira, owners of Agapé Cottages are set to receive an award trophy, along with a certificate to commemorate their outstanding accomplishment.

Mrs. Natasha Chalwell, Policy & Product Development Manager and Ms. Sasha Flax, Sr. Product Officer oversees the BVI Tourist Board’s Sustainable Tourism Environmental Programme and has played an integral role in the implementation of the programme and the certification of the three BVI properties. Green Globe is a global travel and tourism industry certification programme for sustainable tourism. Green Globe members save energy and water resources, positively contribute to their local communities and environment, and meet the high expectations of green leisure and business travelers.