Barbados Takes Home the Green at ITB Berlin

Barbados brings home a Green Destinations Story Award for Environment and Climate at one of the world’s largest travel trade shows, ITB Berlin

Dr. Albert Salman, President of Green Destinations, presented a 2023 Green Destinations Story Award to Barbados which won first place in the category Environment and Climate in recognition of leadership towards tackling climate crises and reducing waste pollution.at the ongoing ITB Berlin.

The nomination came from Barbados’ ambition to be the first island in the Caribbean to achieve a 100% renewable energy goal by 2030 and a 70% carbon neutrality goal by 2050. The strides taken thus far have landed Barbados its first milestone in this prestigious category, namely having the largest fleet of electric buses in the Caribbean.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, proudly accepted the award in Germany on March 7, 2023, expressing gratitude to Green Destinations.

“The fact that as a small island developing state we have been able to beat out a field comprising of 100 countries, says a lot about who we are and where we want to be.”

“Our Prime Minister, the Honorable Mia Mottley, has been a trailblazer on the international scene, advocating in particular for small island developing states to ensure that we not only build resilience but also stress the awareness and impact that climate change has on Barbados,” Minister Gooding-Edghill stated.

The Green Destinations Story Awards celebrates the most inspirational initiatives for sustainable tourism development, promoting 100 destinations as inspiring examples for other destinations, tour operators, and visitors.

The Tourism Minister referenced the Barbados National Energy Policy 2019-2030, which outlines 6 goals to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030.

“Our policies at the government level have caused us to be where we are today, so I really want to say that this award is for Barbadians; this is about Barbados and its leadership in the field of resilience and climate change,” Mr. Gooding-Edghill added.

Among the most significant accomplishments, Barbados currently has a fleet of 49 electric buses. As Barbados transitions to greater use of solar energy, almost 43% of the island’s grid is run on solar power, a remarkable feat in peak and non-peak periods. Over 25,000 of streetlights island wide now use LED bulbs to further reduce Barbados’ carbon footprint.

EARLY SUCCESS

Earlier on, successes for Barbados in conservation and sustainability have included being one of the 10 destinations featured in the new documentary series produced by Sustainable Travel International and Zinc Media. The focus of this documentary is on showcasing responsible small travel businesses and local experiences.

The Chief Executive Officer of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Jens Thraenhart, said:

“In 2022, Barbados was listed as one of the Top 100 Green Destinations, being the only destination in the Caribbean to have achieved this ranking.”

Portugal and The Philippines placed second and third in the Environment and Climate category, and this award is a promising step in Barbados’ fight to become the first carbon-neutral small island.