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Belize leads net positive drive as host of inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards

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The Bahamas, October 7, 2024 – The global leaders of sustainable tourism convened in Belize for a ceremony to recognise the individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in net positive tourism. The inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, held on 27 September to coincide with World Tourism Day, proved a fitting showcase for Belize and its pioneering sustainability initiatives.

The VIP reception featured the unveiling of the 21 winners of this year’s programme. Recipients of the coveted titles reflected the length and breadth of the sustainable tourism sector, ranging from community artisan initiatives to global hospitality giants.

Highlights included Green Initiative named ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation’ for pioneering projects that include restoring degraded land in Costa Rica, Peru and Brazil. Meanwhile, luxury resort operator Soneva emerged as the winner of ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative’ for ground-breaking initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint in the Maldives.

It proved a big night for Mandarin Oriental, which collected triple honours: ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Development’, ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Employer’ and ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Supply Chain Programme’.

Individual winners included Agnes Pierce, Global Head of Sustainability, Amadeus named ‘World’s Leading Sustainability Leader’. Andy De Silva, CEO, Hotel Emporium was voted ‘World’s Leading Sustainability Leader of Tomorrow’.

Belize’s sustainable credentials were highlighted with the coveted title for ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Destination’, plus accolades for Che’il Mayan Chocolate (‘Leading Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project’), Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (‘Leading Sustainable Marine Conservation Initiative’).

The winners received a world-first unveiling of the iconic World Travel Awards winner trophy, originally cast in bronze by royal jewellers Asprey, but recreated using 3D printing technology from recycled ocean plastic, powered by renewable solar energy.

Justin Cooke, Executive Vice-President, World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards says: “We are incredibly proud to celebrate and acknowledge the winners of the inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, each with fascinating stories of how they are positively impacting change. The standard has proved exceptional, and serves as a healthy indicator of the momentum, drive and innovation towards creating a net positive travel industry.

He adds: “The ceremony has proved a fitting climax for our winners to experience Belize in all its splendour, as well as a springboard for this enchanting nation to continue leading the world in sustainable tourism. When you set foot here, you’re not just visiting a country, you’re stepping into a world of vibrant heritage, community-driven sustainability and profound respect for nature.”

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations, Belize, says: “We are incredibly proud of Belize’s achievements at the World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards. These wins reflect our nation’s deep commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism. Belize is setting a global example of how tourism and conservation can work hand in hand for the benefit of our people and the planet.”

The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards categories and entry criteria were agreed by an Advisory Board of thought leaders from the travel and tourism industry, academia and government. Entries were assessed by students in Sustainable Business from Nova Business School. Industry professionals, the media, and the general public voted for the nominees they consider to be leading the world in sustainable tourism.

The programme is run in partnership with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, whose partners and members represent over 50,000 hotels, 7 million rooms globally, 270 brands, and 40+ supply chain and strategic partners.

World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards is the sister event of World Travel Awards, currently celebrating its 31st anniversary.

Winners of 1st annual World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards

World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation: Green Initiative
World’s Leading Sustainable Supply Chain Programme: Mandarin Oriental
World’s Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative: Soneva
World’s Leading Sustainable Health & Well-being Initiative: Emaar Hospitality
World’s Leading Sustainable Circular Economy Partnership: One Tree at a Time X Six Senses Courchevel
World’s Leading Sustainable Water & Waste Innovation: Six Senses Zighy Bay
World’s Leading Sustainable Finance Initiative: Soneva & Soneva Foundation
World’s Leading Sustainable Technology: Choice Hotels & CarbinX
World’s Leading Sustainable Partnership: ibis RockCorps
World’s Leading Sustainable Conservation & Biodiversity Programme: Rainforest Expeditions
World’s Leading Sustainable Development: Mandarin Oriental
World’s Leading Sustainable Destination: Belize
World’s Leading Sustainable Female Empowerment Initiative: SASANE Sisterhood Trekking & Travels
World’s Leading Sustainable Employer: Mandarin Oriental
World’s Leading Sustainable Accessibility & Inclusion Initiative: Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
World’s Leading Sustainability Leader: Agnes Pierce
World’s Leading Sustainability Leader of Tomorrow: Andy De Silva
World’s Leading Sustainable Education & Training Programme: Travel4Impact
Leading Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project: Che’il Mayan Chocolate
Leading Sustainable Marine Conservation Initiative: Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association
Leading Sustainable Community Engagement Programme: Belize Tourism Industry Association

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Collaborative Efforts to Combat Cyber Crime Begins in the Bahamas

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Defence Headquarters  – The United States Northern Command, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, has officially launched Cyber Shark 25, a pivotal cybersecurity initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration and developing strategies to combat cybercrime. The event commenced today and will run through Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Training Auditorium aboard HMBS Coral Harbour.

In his opening remarks, the Captain of Coral Harbour, Captain Glenn McPhee welcomed participants from various sectors, emphasizing the critical importance of cooperation in addressing the evolving threats posed by cybercrime. He provided an overview of the course, highlighting its focus on knowledge sharing, skill enhancement, and the establishment of a unified front against cyber threats that transcend national borders.

The event has drawn representatives from various organizations, including the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), the Central Bank of the Bahamas, the U.S. Coast Guard, and various law enforcement agencies from both the Bahamas and the United States. These stakeholders engaged in discussions aimed at identifying innovative approaches to prevent cybercrime and bolster the security of digital infrastructures.

Cyber Shark 25 serves as a vital platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration among experts and practitioners. By leveraging the expertise of both American and Bahamian representatives, the initiative seeks to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of the challenges posed by cybercrime, while also developing actionable solutions that can be implemented across jurisdictions.

As the event unfolds over the next three days, participants will engage in workshops, training sessions, and collaborative discussions designed to enhance their capabilities in combating cyber threats. The insights gained during Cyber Shark 25 are expected to contribute significantly to ongoing efforts to safeguard the cyber landscape for both nations.

Under the leadership of Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond E. King, the RBDF is dedicated to exploring advanced technology and fostering innovation. We value the passion and talent within our organization’s human capital, and through these efforts, we aim to unlock their potential. By embracing modern technology and encouraging creative thinking, we empower our personnel to contribute to the ongoing success of the RBDF.

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Partnership between BPL and Bahamas Utilities Holdings Limited (BUC) to allow greater BPL generation capacity and improved service

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From: Bahamas Information Services

 

 

NASSAU, The Bahamas —  The Ministry of Energy and Transport, in collaboration with Bahamas Power and Light and Bahamas Utilities Holdings Ltd. held a Commissioning Ceremony for Dual Fuel Turbine Engines, October 15, 2024 at Sun Oil Headquarters, Clifton Pier.

Minister of Energy and Transport, the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis said: “Today, we are commissioning two dual-fuel turbine engines, because of a public-private partnership between BPL and Bahamas Utilities Holdings Limited (BUC).

“The partnership is guided by a Power Purchase Agreement, commonly referred to as a PPA. PPA’s are standard practice in the energy field.

The PPA for this project includes clearly defined key performance indicators and penalties for nonperformance. Provisions have also been included to lock down rates, which will protect Bahamian households and businesses from large cost fluctuations.”

She noted, “In many countries, including the United States, PPAs have been successful in positively transforming the energy system, delivering consistent electricity supply, reducing carbon emissions, and providing cost-savings.

“The partnership with Bahamas Utilities Holdings Limited will allow for BPL to increase its generation capacity, with direct benefits for households and businesses in New Providence such as improved reliability in electricity service.

“Currently, the available electricity capacity on New Providence is 256 megawatts.  At full capacity, these engines will add 62 megawatts of electricity to the grid.

“The engines allow for dual fuel technology which will enhance operational flexibility, however by June 2025, the engines will run on LNG.

“The LNG fuel will be provided by Shell North America.”

The Minister explained that for over 60 years, Shell has been a pioneer in LNG and today has a leading integrated gas and LNG business, from producing gas, liquefying gas, trading and shipping it, then turning the LNG back into gas and distributing it to customers.  Further, she said, Shell is one of the world’s leading LNG suppliers, trading 67 million tonnes of LNG in 2023, around 16 percent of the global LNG market.

Continuing: “The partnership between BPL and Bahamas Utilities Holdings Limited is representative of a strategic solution that has proven to be effective and successful in transforming the energy market.

“As a small island developing nation, we must embrace partnerships to grow and deliver meaningful benefits for the Bahamian people. And if we are to be honest, several of our nation’s most successful projects have been birthed through partnerships – Atlantis, Baha Mar, and Lynden Pindling International Airport all stand as testaments to the value of positive partnerships.

“By partnering with reputable companies – those with international experience and proven track records of success, we firmly believe that a brighter energy future for our nation will be secured.

“And let there be no doubt, that as we partner with international companies, we are also resolute on creating opportunities for Bahamian businesses.

“We are proud that all the successful partners for the renewable projects in New Providence and the Family Islands are at least 51 percent Bahamian owned – and in some instances 100 percent Bahamian owned.”

Minister Coleby-Davis said more of the energy vision and plans will be shared in the near future, and pointed out some significant steps that have already been taken, including:  “the passage of the Electricity and Natural Gas Acts, the implementation of the Equity Rate Adjustment initiative at BPL which zero rated the base rate for the first 200 kilowatts of electricity for all residential consumers, the expansion of renewable energy projects in Schools, and the selection of independent power producers to build utility scale renewable energy power in the Family Islands.”

The energy transformation is a journey towards positive and meaningful lasting results, she said, and promise of a brighter energy future, eliciting for households, lower power bills; for large businesses inventory expansion and the hiring of additional staff, and for small and medium sized businesses, improved cash flows and profits.

 

(BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)

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Next-generation LNG-powered Sun Princess makes inaugural call on Nassau

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Sun Princess berthed at the Nassau Cruise Port on October 13th during the next-generation, LNG-powered cruise vessel’s inaugural visit to The Bahamas

The Bahamas – Sun Princess, the newest next-generation vessel operated by Princess Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc, made Nassau, Bahamas its first-ever Caribbean port of call on October 13 and was greeted by local dignitaries including Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper.

The Sphere-class cruise ship is the first vessel operated by Princess Cruises to be fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) as part of Carnival Corporation’s commitment to sustainability. The outward and suspended Sphere Atrium, the namesake of this new class of ship, takes the central Piazza hub of the ship into a new dimension. Here, guests are enveloped with expansive ocean views and an open concept, inspired to deliver the desired lifestyle of relaxed indoor and outdoor living. Like all ships in this brand-new class, it features an eye-catching architectural element known as The Dome, a groundbreaking glass-enclosed structure at the top of the ship which treats guests to expansive ocean views as it channels the relaxed lifestyle of indoor-outdoor living.

Guests were welcomed aboard and treated to tours of the vessel’s unique features, including a sustainability tour demonstrating how the company is leading the way in sustainable cruising by promoting positive climate action. From using LNG to deliver immediate greenhouse gas reductions today, to cutting food waste and removing single use plastic items from its ships, to installing energy-efficient technologies and equipment to lower fuel use, the company is making solid progress toward minimizing its environmental footprint. For more about the company’s commitment to sustainability, please visit carnivalsustainability.com.

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