Tourism Minister Randall Mitchell says ecotourism is becoming increasingly important, as more tourists are looking for things beyond sun, sea and sand.
The minister made the comments following a tour of the newly-renovated Mt Plaisir Hotel in Grande Riviere, Toco, on Friday.
Noting that ecotourism is a growing niche worldwide, Mitchell said, “The tourists, they are moving away from that mass type, the concrete type tourism with these massive 400-room hotels and they want a space like this that is in fine balance to nature, not harmful to nature.”
The hotel, which opened about 30 years ago, initially had 13 rooms but has expanded to 21 rooms and 53 beds, which can accommodate up to 100 people.
The facility was purchased by local company Hadco a few years ago and has since been undergoing renovations.
Mitchell said such offerings are not only important to the tourism sector but are key economic stimulators for the community and by extension, the country.
“From the policy stand point, we see this hotel purchasing produce from right around the area, other goods and services from right around the area and the tours will be done by the tour guides from right around the area, so we see it as economic stimulators that are labour-intensive and labour-driven,” he explained.
Mitchell praised Hadco for its conservation efforts across the country.
John Hadad, co-CEO of Hadco, shared some insights about the renovated facility.
“All of the lights here in the yard are solar lights, none running off of power and we do have a full water treatment plant, so all waste water passes through that and water emanating from that is all clean, clear water,” he said.
Hadad also highlighted that the Grand Riviere area is critical to the nesting of the leather back turtles, which is a main attraction for the eco-tourist.
