GHTA CEO Highlights Caribbean Unity and Sustainability Efforts at SLHTA Annual General Meeting

(Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association )- The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) is proud to announce that CEO Arlene Friday, who also serves as the Vice President of the Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives (CSHAE), delivered a compelling address at the St. Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association’s (SLHTA) Annual General Meeting.

The speech underscored the vital collaboration between the private sector and local communities during Hurricane Beryl and highlighted the GHTA’s commitment to sustainability through its Tourism Enhancement Fund. In her heartfelt address, Arlene Friday expressed deep gratitude for the unparalleled support received from SLHTA in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. “In times of crisis, the true strength of our relationships is revealed. Your swift response and extraordinary acts of solidarity provided a
lifeline that reminded us we are not alone in our struggles,” Friday stated.

The SLHTA’s mobilization of a hurricane supply drive and the chartering of a boat to transport essential supplies to Carriacou and Petite Martinique were pivotal in Grenada’s recovery efforts. Reflecting on these collaborative efforts, Ms. Friday emphasized the necessity of sustainability in reducing vulnerability to natural disasters. “Improving sustainability is not just an environmental concern; it is essential for reducing our vulnerability to such events,” she noted.

The GHTA is actively working towards a sustainable future through initiatives supported by the Tourism Enhancement Fund. Among the key projects is a partnership with the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority to reduce plastic waste. The GHTA has initiated a monthly plastic bottle collection program from member hotels and supports the Grenada Green Group’s community-wide plastic waste campaign. Additionally, the GHTA recently made a landmark donation of $486,000 EC to the
Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority for a state-of-the-art glass pulverizer system. This investment marks a crucial step in enhancing waste management capabilities and underscores GHTA’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

SLHTA President Erwin Louisy (left) and CEO Noorani M. Azeez present GHTA CEO Arlene Friday with a token of appreciation.

“These initiatives not only support our tourism sector but also strengthen our resilience against natural disasters,” Ms. Friday stated. “By prioritizing waste management and sustainability, we are safeguarding our communities and future generations from the impacts of climate change.”

The meeting concluded with a call to action for continued collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainability. “Let us celebrate our shared commitment to sustainability and continue to work together to create a brighter, more resilient future for our beloved Caribbean,” Ms. Friday urged.

For more information about the GHTA and its sustainability initiatives, please visit contact info@ghta.org.