In the days following hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, there was plenty of media coverage providing information on how and where to donate to ongoing relief efforts throughout Texas, Florida and the Caribbean. Meanwhile, travel sites, including TravelPulse, encouraged travelers to remember how important tourism was to the local economies of the affected areas and to not necessarily cancel travel plans if they were still viable.
Still, while injecting tourism dollars into struggling economies is definitely important, especially in times of crisis, for many travelers the idea of chilling on a Caribbean getaway felt frivolous when there is so much that still needs to be done. To be sure, there's an uneasy dichotomy when thinking about sipping pina coladas on a sandy beach while many are still clamoring for potable water.
Nevertheless, it cannot be overstated how important travel is to the livelihood of people in the Caribbean-regionwide, tourism supports more than 2.3 million jobs according to the WTTC.
For travelers caught between their desire to take a vacation and their need to help out, the Carlisle Bay resort on Antigua has introduced the perfect two-for-one opportunity. A new initiative, called "Carlisle Bay for Barbuda," allows resort guests to participate in relief efforts that benefit Barbuda, Antigua's sister island.
Barbuda-the first island hit by Category 5 Hurricane Irma-was more or less flattened by the storm. More than 90 percent of all structures on the island were destroyed. After a mass evacuation, for the first time in more than 300 years, no full-time residents remained on the island according to NPR.
While the island's evacuation order was lifted on Friday, September 29 and residents are slowly trickling back home, there is so much work to be done. Those who have returned face temporary housing-280 tents and 500 temporary housing units-as they rebuild the island practically from the ground up. For the time being, just two generators are powering electricity for the island.
Meanwhile, Antigua, which suffered relatively little damage from Irma, has become the de facto center for Barbuda recovery efforts, including programs through the Antiqua and Barbuda Red Cross Society.
When Carlisle Bay begins welcoming guests on October 14, 2017, returning guests will be able to jump in and lend a hand to those banding together to assist Barbuda.
"From our wonderful staff to resort activities and cuisine, Carlisle Bay is deeply connected to its surrounding community," said John Rogers, General Manager of Carlisle Bay. "Antigua was largely unaffected by Hurricane Irma, which means the island and its hotel partners are well positioned to act in support of recovery efforts to aid Barbuda. We are proud to offer the 'Carlisle Bay for Barbuda' program to allow our guests the opportunity to volunteer and make a difference first hand."
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Those interested in volunteering can sign up in person at the resort, which is taking commitments on behalf of the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society. Resort guests will then join weekly volunteer opportunities on Antigua, helping out on the most pressing issues during their visit. Activities might include organizing supplies, coordinating and distributing donated goods or helping with registration assistance.
Guests who stay at the resort during its opening week, starting October 15, will even be able to volunteer hand in hand with the resort's executive team. Staff members, including execs from resort owner Harcourt Developments, will personally kick-off the program in tandem with guests and local volunteers.
Even guests who choose not to participate in a hands-on manner can still help aid recovery efforts. The hotel will include an optional donation prompt at check-out, so guests can able to make a voluntary donation in the amount of their choosing.
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Carlisle Bay is a member of Leading Hotels of the World and features 82 contemporary luxury suites-each with a private balcony or terrace leading directly to the shore. After guests finish volunteering, there will still be plenty of time to enjoy the resort's recreational opportunities including water sports, sailing, guided rainforest treks and nine tennis courts. There's also an on-site library, a 42-seat screening room (the first in the Caribbean), four restaurants and a 17,000-square-foot spa.
Participation in the "Carlisle Bay for Barbuda" program may be reserved in person at the resort or in advance by calling (866) 502 2855 or emailing [email protected].
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