News

Ethical Caribbean Investment for Sustainable Property Growth
17/12/2007

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A comprehensive survey conducted by National Geographic into the integrity and sustainability of the ecological and geographic environment of 111 islands and archipelagos around the world has just been completed and the results have been released for general consideration.

The findings of the 'Sustainable Destinations 2007' survey, which was conducted by the Traveler and National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations aided by George Washington University highlight exactly which nations, governments and ultimately which islands in the world are managing to maintain their environmental and ecological integrity through sensitivity of development and enhancement for the sustainable future of the island in question.

For those who wish not only to invest in a destination with a strong tourism market base of demand but who also hope to see the environment in which they are buying remaining unscathed, and therefore of desire and interest for the long term, this report makes essential reading.

One of the highest ranking islands in the survey is St. Vincent in the Caribbean which is also a location that has received significant media attention of late...

• Firstly the island is expected to see the completion of an international airport in 2011 which has been reported as being designed with consideration for the island's delicate natural surroundings in mind.

• Secondly, St. Vincent was used as a significant base for the filming of the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movie trilogy which has helped to develop international awareness of the island's stunning natural attraction.

• Thirdly, St. Vincent was a warm-up location for the English cricketers prior to the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

• As a result of all of these factors St. Vincent has received far higher international promotion and tourism numbers this year, and according to the World Travel and Tourism Council the development of the airport together with greater international awareness of the delights of the island will result in an average annual tourism growth rate of over 4.5% between now and 2017.

So how does St. Vincent manage to balance a developing and clearly thriving tourism industry - upon which the economy of the nation is heavily reliant - with a commitment to maintain the ecological harmony and environmental balance of the island?

Well, although St. Vincent does depend heavily on its travel and tourism industry now, it has come rather late to the game with most visitors to this Caribbean nation actually attracted to the Grenadine islands in the past - and so St. Vincent can actually work with hindsight garnered from watching mistakes that other Caribbean island nations have made.

According to Managing Director Steve Worboys from Experience International which markets certain luxurious property developments in the Caribbean: “from the 'Sustainable Destinations 2007' survey it is clear that St. Vincent's authorities are working incredibly hard to marry together the strongest desires to protect and even enhance the natural environment of the island together with their visitors' desires for luxury and quality - with which the island is certainly synonymous.”

The good news for the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and more specifically for the people of St. Vincent does indeed come in the form of the findings of the 'Sustainable Destinations 2007' survey. National Geographic scored the island at 68/100 specifically citing and referencing the following important facts as being positively in favour of the island's sustainability as an ecological and environmental gem: "good terrestrial and marine ecological quality...low development contributes to pleasing aesthetics. Expanding tourism development, especially along coastal areas, relatively small scale.”

One of the finest examples of the limited and restricted number of high-end property developments currently under construction on this exotic island with its stunning views of the Grenadine islands and its lush and unique rainforest vegetation is Buccament Bay Resort - the developers of which have had to adhere to the strictest building standards and controls and have had to commit to the protection, advancement and enhancement of the natural surroundings of the resort.

Buccament Bay Resort is a combination of a 5 star hotel development and a luxurious residential community with residents, visitors, investors and their guests benefiting from the fabulous on-site amenities and facilities which include everything from a gym, and spa to swimming pools, bars and even a casino. This resort is a stone's throw from an 18 hole golf course, it offers investors excellent guaranteed rental returns and it comprises 1, 2 and 3 bedroom cabanas and villas which are available for sale off plan from just GBP 115,000/EUR 169,500.