An initial game of Jeopardy set the tone for the Eco-Tourism Workshop held on Saturday and revealed just how little most of us know about CO₂ emissions. The icebreaker provoked laughter and some groans, but it perfectly illustrated why the gathering was so important. 

Applause goes to the Integrated Health Outreach (IHO) team, who reminded participants of the delicate balance between tourism and environment. The day was filled with energy, passion, and no shortage of debate – often straying off track, but always in ways that were relevant and deeply connected to the shared concern for Antigua and Barbuda’s future. 

Antigua remains one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations. Nelson’s Dockyard is consistently voted the region’s top attraction, thanks to the island’s beauty, its welcoming people, and its rich and sometimes controversial history. Visitors are drawn not just by the clear warm waters, but by the rolling hills, rainforest areas, and thriving marine life. 

Yet, as the workshop highlighted, the very environment that attracts visitors is under threat — and protecting it is key to keeping tourism sustainable. 

The event introduced participants to a wide range of topics, including cultural heritage preservation, eco-friendly business models, green procurement, waste management, and conservation. It was part of IHO’s ongoing donor-funded project to benefit communities within the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park (NDNP) — building climate resilience through ecosystem restoration and sustainable livelihood practices. 

Lead Facilitator and Social and Climate Specialist, Britney McDonald, explained “We want people to walk away being able to apply what they learned and to use it as a basis to strengthen sustainable tourism practices that promote conservation and adaptation. Anyone who is eligible should seize the opportunity to participate in this free workshop, especially our youth.” 

Her call was echoed by the gratifying number of young people in attendance, including university student Madison Walcott, who is studying tourism. 

“When I took up my tourism course, I had to learn a lot about sustainability and having a more eco-conscious outlook — not just in schools, but at home. Promoting sustainability starts in the home,” she said. “I think it was very informative and very beneficial to us, not just as professionals but as a society.” 

The debates throughout the day were passionate and far-reaching. Discussions ranged from roads and infrastructure to the ongoing sargassum seaweed problem, to unlicensed taxi drivers at Heritage Quay. At times the conversation veered off track, but each detour was grounded in real challenges that affect Antigua’s tourism industry and communities daily.

One of the day’s highlights came when Elijah James of Global Ports presented a briefing on the new cruise dock in St John’s – something many have wanted to see for a long time, having heard about it so often but never knowing what it would actually look like. His presentation, accompanied by images of the all-too-familiar chaos at Heritage Quay when cruise ships arrive, prompted lively discussion and some honest questions about why visitors choose to cruise in the first place. 

The one-day workshop, held at the John E. St. Luce Financial & Conference Centre, built on IHO’s previous EcoTourism Livelihoods Course, which has already impacted more than 40 participants. Saturday’s session expanded the reach, particularly among young people, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of tourism. 

Funded by the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) and co-financed by the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection through KfW Development Bank, the workshop formed part of the regional EbA Caribbean Project. Its broader goal: strengthening regional climate resilience and supporting green economic recovery through ecosystem-based adaptation and sustainable livelihoods. 

As the day closed, the energy in the room was unmistakable. Spirited debate, fresh ideas, and passion left participants not just better informed, but motivated – ready to take on the challenge of ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism future is sustainable, balanced, and as vibrant as the island itself.