AN environmental symposium and exhibition to be hosted in Montego Bay later this month by the Environmental Audits for Sustainable Tourism (EAST) project, will focus on the promotion of sustainable tourism and greater environmental awareness in the manufacturing and hospitality sectors.

According to the organisers, the aim of the activities is to foster closer linkages between international and regional educational institutions in these areas.

EAST is a United States government-funded project, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It is being implemented in Jamaica through a cooperative effort among USAID/Jamaica, the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) and the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association, with technical assistance being provided by PA Consulting Group of the USA.

The first activity, the ‘Sustainable Educator’s Symposium’, scheduled for July 24-25 at the Half Moon Hotel, will bring together representatives of educational institutions and the tourism industry from Jamaica and the Caribbean.

Hugh Cresser, EAST project coordinator, explained that “the symposium is designed to highlight and promote environmental best practices to both educators and industry personnel”.

USAID’s team leader in the Office of Environment, Howard Batson said “the expectation is that the sharing of information and lessons learnt at the symposium will foster linkages between international and regional institutions and contribute to a proactive movement towards sustainable development”.

The “Green Hotels Conference and Exhibition”, July 26-27, which follows the symposium will be attended by hospitality and manufacturing representatives from across the region. It is designed to develop marketing and promotional strategies for “green” hotels and attractions and highlight the latest in “green technologies for the hospitality and manufacturing sectors.

A distinguished group of speakers from the Caribbean, USA and the United Kingdom will address the symposium and conference.