SETTING A NEW STANDARD IN CARIBBEAN ECO-TOURISM
Discovery Bay, St. Ann, Jamaica – September24, 2024 – The Green Grotto Caves & Attractions, owned and managed by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has proudly been recognized with the prestigious Master Certification by EarthCheck for the last 21 years, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification, and advisory group for travel and tourism. This milestone makes Green Grotto the first attraction of its kind in the Caribbean to achieve such a high level of certification consistently, underscoring its commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.
The Master Certification is a testament to the unwavering dedication of Green Grotto Caves & Attractions to maintaining the highest standards of eco-tourism. As one of Jamaica’s premier tourist attractions, Green Grotto has continuously demonstrated its commitment to preserving the natural beauty of its surroundings while offering an unforgettable experience to visitors. The attraction has been consistently certified since 2003, transitioning from Green Globe Certification to EarthCheck, achieving EarthCheck Gold Certification in 2009, and subsequently reaching Platinum status in 2012. The first Master level Certification was attained in 2017, and this latest recognition reaffirms the attraction’s ongoing leadership in sustainable tourism.
“We are incredibly proud of this achievement, which highlights our ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation,” said Robert Honeyghan, General Manager of the UDC. “This certification not only reflects our dedication to protecting Jamaica’s natural heritage but also reinforces our position as a leader in eco-friendly tourism in the Caribbean.”
Green Grotto Caves & Attractions, located on 64 acres of land in Discovery Bay, St. Ann, is a prominent feature along Jamaica’s north coast, nestled between the resort centres of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. The attraction offers guided tours of two mesmerizing caves, a nature trail, a well-stocked souvenir shop, and a first aid station, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for all visitors. With the EarthCheck Master Certification, visitors are assured that their exploration of Green Grotto’s pristine, natural underground beauty is supported by operations that are environmentally responsible and sustainable.
Sandraleen Tucker, Manager at Green Grotto Caves, expressed her delight at the achievement, stating, “Receiving the EarthCheck Master Certification is a significant milestone for us. It reflects the hard work and dedication of our team to uphold the highest environmental standards. We are committed to providing an authentic eco-tourism experience that not only showcases the natural wonders of Jamaica but also contributes positively to the preservation of our environment.”
The EarthCheck Master Certification is not just a badge of honour but a rigorous assessment that includes key elements such as the management of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Energy Efficiency, Conservation & Management of Freshwater Resources, and Ecosystem Conservation & Management. Green Grotto Caves & Attractions has excelled in these areas, making it a model for other eco-tourism sites in the region. Green Grotto Caves & Attractions is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Non-residents can access the site for US$20 per person aged 13 and over, and US$10 for children aged 4-12. Special rates are available for Jamaican residents, with entry fees of JMD$1000 for adults and JMD$500 for children aged 4-12, with a valid Jamaican ID required. For more information, please contact the attraction at (876) 973-3217 or visit www.greengrottocavesja.com.