The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board salutes the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in its declaration of 27 September, 2013 as World Tourism Day under the theme, “Tourism & Water: Protecting Our Common Future”. In light of this proclamation, we would like to remind the citizens of our planet that our world has become a small global village in which our actions have far reaching consequences.
The inhabitants of our small islands are not immune to the negative effects of the destruction of the rainforest in Indonesia, Brazil or Guyana; or to the pollution of the world’s lakes and oceans. These natural features – our oceans, coral reefs, rivers, and lakes are to be use for our enjoyment, protection and our legacy for future generations. It is then no coincidence that these fine attributes are the bedrock of our global tourism industry.
Minister of Tourism, Dr. the Hon. Rufus Ewing thanks the UNWTO for highlighting the importance of tourism to the global economy and for bringing awareness of water to our planet’s and personal survival. He also noted, “The Turks and Caicos Islands is home to the world’s third largest barrier reef system and an abundance of marine life; the fabric of our entire industry is largely centered around water. Water is life, we must preserve it.”
Director of Tourism Mr. Ralph Higgs stated, “The theme Tourism & Water: Protecting Our Common Future is very fitting and truly speaks to the Turks and Caicos Islands as our main industry, and greatest revenue generator, is Tourism. Our ocean, reefs and marine life are our largest natural attributes, and perhaps are the main attractions for persons visiting the Turks and Caicos.”
Mr. Higgs also echo the sentiments of the chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the USVI Commissioner of Tourism, Beverly Nicholson-Doty as he stated, “Water is the most important contributor to human survival. Sometimes residents of the country take our water resource for granted as it seems so abundant, but this resource is not never ending or indestructible.”
The Director would like to urge citizens, tour operators, and visitors to be responsible and practice sustainable programs as they use the Turks and Caicos largest natural resource, so that it will remain valuable for generations to come.
