Success Story: King's Casino promotes Antigua and Barbuda Humane Society
The Antigua and Barbuda Humane Society (www.antiguaanimals.org) has erected a sign at Antigua's cruise ship dock, inviting tourists to visit nearby King's Casino and purchase humane society T-shirts. The owner of King's Casino, a long-time supporter of the humane society, agreed to the arrangement.
A large display case inside the casino showcases the humane society's T-shirts and cookbooks. A nearby photo display depicts scenes of the humane society's work to help the animals of Antigua.
"We sell an average of 30 shirts and 10 cookbooks monthly," said Karen Corbin, executive director of the Antigua and Barbuda Humane Society. "All we have to do is supply the inventory and collect the money. In addition, we get the exposure, which often results in e-mails from tourists explaining that they bought a shirt at King's and now they want to send a donation or become a member of the humane society."Corbin added, "This is an arrangement that could work on other islands with tourist venues such as large restaurants, retail shops, or airport shops."
Read more about how tourism can support animal welfare:
Success Story: Grenada SPCA Web site attracts tourism support
Peggy Cattan, Executive Director of the Grenada SPCA reports that many tourists visit the SPCA's animal shelter because they have already visited the SPCA's Web site: www.grenadaspca.org
"I think our Web site is the most important link we have to the tourism industry as many people Google the place they are going to visit and then print out a lot of information, Cattan said. "Many e-mail beforehand and ask if they can bring anything with them to help the shelter. Some people bring collars and leashes; one couple who works in the medical industry brings medical supplies."
Cattan added that many tourists phone the SPCA to complain about loose dogs and cats at the hotels. Some of the tourists bring the free-roaming dogs to the shelter, and "once they see that work is being done to help all the animals and they leave with a much better feeling."
"I think our Web site is the most important link we have to the tourism industry as many people Google the place they are going to visit and then print out a lot of information, Cattan said. "Many e-mail beforehand and ask if they can bring anything with them to help the shelter. Some people bring collars and leashes; one couple who works in the medical industry brings medical supplies."
Cattan added that many tourists phone the SPCA to complain about loose dogs and cats at the hotels. Some of the tourists bring the free-roaming dogs to the shelter, and "once they see that work is being done to help all the animals and they leave with a much better feeling."