Would-be business leaders in the Eastern District have been cautioned by a tourism leader not to place financial profit above social responsibility and the environment.

Addressing a ‘Go East’ Initiative forum at the Savannah Primary School recently, Director of Tourism, Pilar Bush said sustainability tourism has a “triple bottom line”.  

“As a country, which has the fifth largest financial centre, we’re very familiar with the accounting principles and the need to be mindful of the bottom line.

“One of the things that sustainability asked us as decision makers or new business owners to consider is that there’s more than the just financial profit, more than the economic health,” she said.

Ms Bush stressed the need for the Eastern communities of East End, North Side and Bodden Town to bear in mind the importance of social responsibility and environmental protection.

Broadly speaking, the DOT boss said the Islands could benefit more from tourism, which she qualified as probably the world’s largest sectors.

“It’s large, complex, diverse and it’s almost as if there’s a place for everyone. Even the accounts who are tired of managing hedge funds, there’s place for them in tourism if they wanted a lifestyle change,” she said.

She told the meeting that to be successful in a competitive market, Cayman must show its unique nature.
“We have to make sure that it’s a distinctive, high quality, good value experience, which draws on and supports the Island’s individual character. It must enhance the image and reputation,” she said.     

Citing the beach destination concepts in 31 Caribbean countries and ten US states, Ms Bush said her Island needed to offer something special to the Canadian, European or American visitor. 

“It’s not suppose to be replica of what Barbados does or a replica of what Jamaica does, even though there are many, many success story you could use as case studies in those countries.

“We have to be true to ourselves and make sure that we embrace what is distinctive and  Caymanian,” she said.

Ms Bush said the economic opportunities are obvious and the DOT has documents to back up that claim.