The Cayman Islands, the GSTC’s latest destination member, recently underwent a GSTC comprehensive assessment of its sustainability as part of the GSTC’s Destinations Program. The procurement and organization of the assessment for the Cayman Islands were spearheaded by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT) and Cayman Department of Environment.
The GSTC’s Destinations Program Director Kathleen Pessolano conducted the assessment of the Cayman Islands on behalf of the GSTC, from 29 May-8 June 2015. During the 10-day assessment period, more than 30 stakeholders with responsibility in the destination management areas of the GSTC Criteria for Destinations were consulted. Additionally, policy documents were reviewed to check compliance with the GSTC Criteria. Based on the comprehensive assessment, the GSTC presented preliminary results of the assessment to a group of cross-sector stakeholders during a workshop on June 8, 2015. The GSTC then produced an assessment report outlining the final results of the assessment and recommendations for improvements to bring Cayman tourism development into compliance with best international practice as set forth in the GSTC Criteria and Indicators.
On November 12, 2015 the GSTC made an additional onsite presentation of the destination assessment results to further destination stakeholders, and facilitated a discussion about next steps for implementation by Cayman of the GSTC’s recommendations outlined in the GSTC assessment report. The Cayman Islands has expressed resolute commitment to destination sustainability, and–like others throughout the world who are partnering with the GSTC–is embarking on a path to adopt the GSTC Criteria. The GSTC assessment was a valuable first step in the process, to identify the destination’s current needs, gaps, and GSTC recommended actions for improvement.
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