Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Richard Sealy, has lauded the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association???s (FCCA) essay and poster competitions as integral to the future development of the island???s tourism product.

He made this observation today while addressing a presentation ceremony for the FCCA???s Poster and Essay competitions at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

Mr. Sealy said Barbados clinching first place in the poster competition in the senior division and placing first in both the junior and senior divisions in the essay competition, was ???the first time this has ever happened in the FCCA competitions and it is something that I felt proud about and I am sure that everyone in this room should feel proud about this unprecedented achievement???.

Although buoyed by Barbados??? success, the Tourism Minister said there was still more room for greater participation from schools across the island. ???The reports that we had on the competition suggests that we are still only getting about nine or 10 primary schools to participate in the junior competition. As far as I am aware, Barbados has at least 44 public primary schools and even a number of other private primary schools so, there is still more room for greater participation. As far as the secondary schools are concerned, the story is a similar one so, we look forward to seeing more students participating in the competition,??? Mr. Sealy added.

Noting that protecting the environment was extremely important and a major plank of government???s green economy thrust through national environmental awareness programmes to promote sustainable practices, he said the theme for the poster competition: Three Ways in which we can make a Difference in Preserving our Environment, was in keeping with government???s mandate.

Mr. Sealy added: ???The current traveller has widened their scope to just beyond the mere physical beauty. They are no longer interested in just beaches; they have been travelling to inland areas and appreciating our gullies and other natural gifts. However, they are also broadening their knowledge of local customs and cultures. In fact, the new tourist wants to immerse themselves into our very society and when we speak of sustainable tourism, that is a critical part of which we must all take responsibility.???

julie.carrington@barbados.gov.bb

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