ORANJESTAD, ST. Eustatius – Plans and ideas for the upcoming Statia Sustainable Conference and Exhibition, scheduled for September 25-27, were discussed Wednesday at St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation (STDF). The theme for this year’s conference is “Tourism and Development in the Community,” or community tourism.

The conference is to focus on the sustainable development of the island with the purpose to educate, and at the same time encourage the local community to originate sustainable practices. Local and international speakers will be conducting presentations and workshops during the conference.

“The past two conferences went very well with outstanding local, regional and international speakers and participants. Educating ourselves and our locals remains the top priority for the Sustainable Conference, aimed at making Statia a more eco- friendly and sustainable community,” said STDF Development and Human Resources manager Maya Leon Pandt. Community-based tourism is “aimed to include and benefit local communities, particularly indigenous people and villages in rural areas,” said STDF Public Relations Officer Teena Lopes.

Committee meetings will continue every two weeks.

Statia Tourism is a member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) .

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The conference is to focus on the sustainable development of the island with the purpose to educate, and at the same time encourage the local community to originate sustainable practices.
Educating ourselves and our locals remains the top priority for the Sustainable Conference, aimed at making Statia a more eco- friendly and sustainable community,” said STDF Development and Human Resources manager Maya Leon Pandt.
The theme for this year's conference is “Tourism and Development in the Community,” or community tourism.