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It is a thrill to share some exciting news that exemplifies our commitment to sustainability. It is an honor to announce that Ewald Biemans is on his way to the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, proudly representing Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort and our accomplishments to date.
In a world saturated with sustainability promises, our small haven on an island with limited resources has not just pledged but achieved a climate-positive vacation experience. The United Nations has taken notice, extending a special invitation for us to be at the forefront of COP28 in the United Arab Emirates. Owner/CEO Ewald Biemans will proudly accept this invitation, joining more than 70,000 attendees focusing on the vital health of our planet and humanity's well-being.
Why is this invitation so significant, you ask? Well, let's rewind and celebrate our journey so far. Bucuti & Tara, now in its 36th year, is not just a hotel; it's a 104-room, independent, owner-managed oasis dedicated to romance, wellness, and sustainability. We've set the bar high with over 97% occupancy year-round, making us the Caribbean's most eco-certified hotel. And did I mention our recent triumph as TripAdvisor's 2023 No. 1 Hotel in the Caribbean and No. 18 Best Hotel in the World?
Under the visionary leadership of Ewald Biemans, we continue to prove that memorable vacations, business success, and sustainability go hand in hand. Inspired by the UN's 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, Biemans set us on a path to create a framework of eco-certifications, including Green Globe Platinum, Travelife Gold, LEED Gold v4.1, and in 2018, becoming the Caribbean's first and only carbon -neutral hotel.
Our pioneering efforts led to the Global UN Climate Action Award at COP26, where Biemans, as the sole independent hotelier, was invited to launch the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism. The UN has hailed our sustainability program as "highly replicable and scalable," encouraging hotels worldwide to follow suit.
As we gear up for COP28, Biemans has been a featured guest on the United Nations World Tourism Organization's webinar series, sharing our experiences, challenges, and opportunities in developing and implementing our climate action plan. Our commitment to sustainability has placed us on the global stage, and we're here to show that even a small resort on a small island can make a monumental impact.
Aruba and the greater Caribbean community, although minimal contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, find themselves on the front lines of battling climate change. The very coastlines that attract sunseekers are at risk, and we may face seawater lapping at our back doors in just 20-30 years if global warming persists.
Ewald Biemans acknowledges the unique challenges every hotel faces in the fight against climate change. At COP28, he will share how the pressure needs to become carbon neutral and ultimately, net zero can happen, even in challenging circumstances. Our resort, known for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters, operates on a modest budget and faces challenges such as importing supplies, working within bureaucracy, and innovating clean energy solutions.
"The invitation from the United Nations for Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort to showcase our sustainability program at COP28 is a deeply appreciated acknowledgment. It marks our commitment to actively contribute to the global battle against climate change, offering support to fellow hotels in implementing robust solutions aligned with the principles of the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism," shares Ewald Biemans, Owner/CEO of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba.
Stay tuned for more updates as we make waves at COP28, proudly representing our commitment to sustainability and making a difference on the global stage.