Green Grotto Caves and Attractions, has retained EarthCheck Gold certification following the completion of an onsite certification audit conducted recently by the Green Globe Earthcheck Certification, a programme managed by EC3 Global.
The Attraction has been receiving gold certification since 2009 and Fabia Lamm, Manager Green Grotto Caves and Attractions has indicated that she is quite proud of this achievement “We continue to operate with the knowledge and conviction that sustaining the environment is of utmost importance to our bottom line. This extraordinary achievement is a testament to the benefits of teamwork. ” said Miss Lamm.
EarthCheck certification is the world's leading programme, used by the travel and tourism industry. Widely regarded as the largest certifier of sustainable travel and tourism businesses, Earthcheck is one of the world’s most recognized environmental benchmarking and certification programmes.
The achievement of this prestigious certification has ranked Green Grotto Caves and Attractions as a leader and a part of the unique worldwide group of sustainable tourism operators that adheres to the highest science-based standards. The environmental efforts of Green Grotto Caves and Attractions have exceeded best practice standards and once again enabled them to secure gold certification for the attraction. Green Grotto Caves and Attractions continually measures, monitors and manages the environmental, social and economic impacts of the facility to ensure sustainable development.
Another milestone accomplished by Green Grotto Caves and Attractions is the achievement of Green Globe 21 Certification from 2002 for seven consecutive years. During 2002, Green Grotto Caves and Attractions distinguished itself from other attractions when the Caves became the first attraction in Jamaica to obtain this certification.
Green Grotto Caves and Attractions was acquired by the Corporation in 1999, upgraded and reopened in April 2000. Over the years, the facility has been developed significantly by the Corporation. Work implemented includes extensive landscaping, improvements to the tour trail, the installation of special effect lighting inside the caves, improved amenities and the recent opening of a logo and souvenir shop.
Green Grotto Caves and Attractions is situated on 64 acres of land in Discovery Bay, St. Ann between the resort centres of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. A tour of the caves enables visitors to journey into the underground and rediscover Jamaican history. Previously known as Runaway, Dairy, Rum, Hopewell and Dry Harbour Caves, the Green Grotto Caves are said to have provided shelter for Jamaica’s first inhabitants, the Taino Indians. The caves boast a maze of stalactites and stalagmites and other exquisite formations.
The rates for non–residents to access Green Grotto Caves and Attractions are US $20 for persons ages 13 years and over and US $10 for children between the ages 4-12. Special rates apply for Jamaican residents and patrons are encouraged to call the attraction at 973-3217; 973-2841; 973-2766 and 973-2767 or contact them at www.greengrottocavesja.com for further details. The attraction opens daily between the hours of 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.