Sustainable Tourism - EPG Caribbean

Preserving Caribbean Heritage

Master
Planning for
Sustainable
Development

Barbados Tourism Master Plan 2013 – 2024

Assembling a team of professionals with expertise in economics, environmental management, social development, community involvement, marketing, transport, accommodation, niche markets, heritage tourism, and tourism planning, EPG developed the first Tourism Master Plan for Barbados, basing it on a green visitor economy model that would guide the nation’s tourism development over a 10 year period.

Harrisons Cave, Barbados

EPG jointly managed the Integrated Nature Tourism Study for Harrison’s Cave, Folkestone Marine Reserve and Carlisle Bay with Canadian firm Axys Environmental Consulting Ltd. These three important tourism sites located in different parishes in Barbados were assessed for nature tourism development and expansion. Harrison’s Cave features an underground subterranean cave with associated upland gully ecosystem; Folkestone Marine Reserve is the only one of its kind on the island; Carlisle Bay boasts one of the largest beaches in Barbados and is a popular recreational zone located within the UNESCO World Heritage Property of Bridgetown.

Harrison’s Cave has been redeveloped as a major ecotourism project for Barbados. A detailed master plan was created, including new and upgraded infrastructure for Harrison’s Cave, the island’s premier tourist attraction and a designated Natural Heritage Conservation Area. The new interpretation centre features interactive materials that support public awareness and environmental education. A nature trail was designed and implemented just outside the cave’s entrance along the gully floor.

Showcasing Built & Cultural Heritage

1998Vol. 3A - Speightstown Drawing Annex - 1 of 2 (3).pdf

Speightstown Living Heritage Program, Barbados

EPG has contributed to the Living Heritage Program for Speightstown, part of a regional program instituted by the Inter-American Development Bank to promote the conservation and sustainable revitalization of urban heritage in the Americas. Speightstown is one of the historical towns in Barbados with a rich history dating back to the 17th century.

A thorough assessment of Speightstown’s heritage elements was conducted through research and stakeholder consultations as a means to identify infrastructural projects for funding and investment.

Historic Holetown, Barbados: A New Vision

Holetown was the first landing site of British settlers in Barbados in 1627. A conceptual plan of Holetown was developed to highlight its significant heritage features and suggest ways in which Holetown can be enhanced as a major heritage tourism destination for Barbados, as well as a key hub for shopping, dining and entertainment.

Showcasing Natural Heritage

Walkers Reserve, Barbados: Eco Tourism

Acting as lead for the Planning and Design component of the Walkers Reserve Integrated Master Plan for Stantec Consulting, this ecotourism project located on the east coast within the Barbados National Park is being planned on an existing sand mining site. Conservation, habitat regeneration, permaculture, and environmental education will be featured at this unique eco-heritage tourism attraction for Barbados.