Tobago
Newsday reporter
THA Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transport Secretary Tashia Burris has congratulated Castara for being the only Caribbean community selected for the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Best Tourist Village Programme.
In a press release Tuesday, Burris congratulated the village for being one of 20 communities worldwide selected to participate in the Best Tourist Villages improvement program.
According to the UN organization, the label “Best Tourist Village” is awarded to a village that is “an outstanding example of a rural tourist destination with recognized cultural and natural assets that preserves and promotes the values, products and lifestyle of community-based…and has a clear commitment to sustainability in all its aspects.”
Burris said: “We are extremely proud of the recognition Castara Village has received from UNWTO as one of the recipients of their Best Tourism Village Initiative. Castara has continued to demonstrate that, as a community, they have embraced the ideals of responsible and responsible tourism.
“I would like to congratulate the technical staff in the division who worked together with the community in the presentation. I also congratulate the entire community and all stakeholders who continue to help grow their tourism products and offers. We now look forward to the results of the execution of this community initiative in 2023.”
As part of this program, Castara will receive support from UNWTO and its partners in improving elements of areas identified as gaps in the assessment process. The village will also become part of the UNWTO Global Network of Best Tourism Villages, which offers many benefits, including on-site and online training, sharing of good practices, and international brand recognition and awareness.
