Who We Are

The Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) – a not-for-profit - was established by members of the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) in 1997 to promote responsible environmental and social management of natural and heritage resources respectively, within the hotel and tourism sector.  As CHA’s key subsidiary, it is also the only not-for-profit in the region that focuses on the responsible development of the Caribbean tourism private sector.

Through its programs and services, CAST provides guidance and expertise in awareness raising programs, environmental management systems (EMS) and best practices in accordance with the goals of Agenda 21.

"Agenda 21 for the Travel & Tourism Industry: Towards Environmentally Sustainable Development", is the plan of action for sustainable tourism produced by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the World Tourism Organization and the Earth Council following the 1992 Rio Earth Summit held in Brazil.

Governing Council

The Governing Council is comprised of regional and international hotels, private companies and regional institutions. The Council sets policies as well as drives the CAST sustainable tourism mandate and work program.  Membership to the Council is by invitation only.  Council members contribute financially to the operations of CAST thereby supporting the organization's mission and purpose. Please contact: dshurland@caribbeanhotels.org for further information on joining the Council.

The full Council meets once annually, usually in May. The Council has appointed an Executive Committee which meets quarterly. This committee oversees the progress of the CAST working group.

Key Staff

Sir Royston O. Hopkin KCMG – Chairman

Sir Royston received the title of Knight Commander of the most distinguished order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG) in 2005. He was recognized for his contribution to the hospitality and tourism sectors of Grenada and the wider Caribbean Region in a career spanning over 40 years of service.  This distinctive honor also sets a precedent, as Sir Royston becomes the first hotelier in the British Commonwealth to receive the KCMG.

He began his hotel career as a teenager with modest duties in his family’s business, The Ross Point Inn.  He quickly grew to become the youngest person, at age 20, to serve on the Grenada Board of Tourism.  By age 24 he was President of the Grenada Hotel Association.  His climb to the top did not stop locally, but saw him assume the positions of Director, Vice-President and ultimately, President of the regional body, The Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA).  His drive and ambition has made him one of the leading hoteliers in the Caribbean and he currently owns the prestigious AAA-Four Diamond rated Spice Island Beach Resort and its sister property, The Blue Horizons Garden Resort.  His outstanding achievements were recognized by his peers when he was selected as “Caribbean Hotelier of the Year” by the Caribbean Hotel Association in 1991.

Deirdre Shurland – Director

Deirdre is a national of Trinidad & Tobago with over eighteen years experience in environmental management and institutional development. She has served in management and team leadership positions, completed many environmental audits and environmental impact assessments, designed property environmental management systems, undertaken institutional assessments, developed parks and protected areas and emergency management plans. She has significant work experience in the hotel and tourism sector, infrastructure development (ports, roads and bridges, airports, utilities) and in the industrial/manufacturing sectors. She has served on boards of directors and in other professional societies,  has an Honours degree from the University of the West Indies in geology and a Master's degree in physical oceanography (Mona Campus, Jamaica) and in Marine Affairs & Ocean Management from Dalhousie University, Canada; and is a Senior Member of the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

Technical Service Affiliates (TSAs)

TSAs are professional consultants experienced in environmental management issues and hotel operations who provide services through CAST to the Caribbean tourism industry.  Services include conducting on-site environmental assessments and preparing properties for achieving sustainable tourism standards and certifications.  TSAs also receive periodic training from CAST on special programs.  To pre-qualify for the TSA program, send your CV and a cover letter to us at: cast@cha-cast.com.

Interns and Volunteers

CAST benefits from the work of interns and regional volunteers. For more information on how to participate in the CAST intern and volunteer programs click HERE.

Or write to us at: cast@cha-cast.com providing your full contact details and describing briefly your skills and experience. No phone calls please!